The Facts about Hay Fever

Hayfever is spreading and it is time to get the facts straight. What is Hayfever?

Hayfever is type of seasonal allergic rhinitis, or more popularly known as pollen allergy, mostly coming form grass pollen. When small pollen grain is released by grass, trees, and some weeds, they float around in the wind and being unknowingly inhaled by most people. The taking in of air with pollen grains can trigger the inflammation of the nasal passages – the highly sensitive mucous membranes have a strong reaction to pollen – leading to itching, swelling, irritation of the nose, together with some sneezing and swelling.

Hayfever may happen to you without you knowing it. In fact, 16 to 20% of the population is suffering from Hayfever. Britain is one of the countries where a lot of people have Hayfever. Major members of the plant kingdom that cause Hayfever include Cedar, Birch tree, and Ragweed. In fact, about 17.6 million visits to health care clinics and hospitals have been recorded each year – visits concerning Hayfever and allergic rhinitis. This article intends to clarify myths and state facts about Hayfever.

Now, you may think that the release of pollen is not all year round, some even speculate that pollen is only released in spring therefore you can only catch Hayfever and pollen allergies in spring. This is wrong. No. Pollen grains are released by trees and plants during summer, spring, or fall. Even during winter, when the climate and snow fall is mild.

Another myth to clarify is the belief that people with strong immune systems will not get Hayfever. This is wrong. People have the tendency to sensitive to allergens and become allergic. Overexposure to the allergen (pollen grain) especially when the body’s defenses are down (you just had a cold, etc.) can cause Hayfever and may even trigger a number of allergies.

If at any point you were not able to avoid Hayfever, the best remedy is to go to a doctor and ask for some oral antihistamine medicine. You can also use nasal sprays, anti-inflammatory drugs, and nasal steroids. Oral and nasal decongestants lessen the blocking in the nose that is triggered by the allergic reaction to pollen. Always lean on the safe side and consult a doctor. Although some cures may be available over the counter, it is still best to get a doctor’s advice. You will never know if you may be allergic to the medicine you are taking that is supposed to cure your allergy. You can go to a specialist in allergy is you want to use air filters. There are many types of devices that filter air, some made of fiberglass while some use electric plates that can lessen the pollen allergens in the air.

Of course, as they say that prevention is better than cure, you should really make an effort to avoid grassy areas or places with a lot of trees that you know that can give you Hayfever. If you can’t, you can opt for a series of allergy shots called Immunotherapy. It can reduce allergy symptoms.

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