Hay fever (spring sickness): definition, symptoms and treatment
What is hay fever?
Do you often feel like you have a cold in the spring, but in fact you don't have a cold at all? You may be experiencing an attack of hay fever. Ignoring its English name for the moment, hay fever has nothing to do with hay and does not cause a fever. Hay fever is actually a type of allergy, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Hay fever is caused when the body's immune system overreacts to substances in the environment, but most people are not affected. These substances are called allergens. As spring arrives, plants grow and bloom, releasing tiny particles called pollen, which are common allergens that can trigger hay fever.
Related Reading : Spring health care methods
Why spring triggers hay fever
Spring is the prime time for hay fever attacks because trees, grasses and weeds release large amounts of pollen into the air. The weather is getting warmer and there are more and more windy days. Wind can carry pollen for miles. When people with pollen allergies breathe in this pollen, their bodies mistakenly think they are being attacked and release chemicals such as histamine to fight off the disease. This reaction causes the symptoms of hay fever.
Symptoms of hay fever
The symptoms of hay fever can be very annoying and even painful. Here are some common symptoms:
- Sneezing and coughing: Symptoms are similar to those of a cold.
- Runny or stuffy nose: Your nose may feel blocked or runny.
- Itchy eyes, nose, ears, and throat: You feel like you have to scratch to get relief.
- Watery eyes: Your eyes may be tearing up all the time, and it’s certainly not because you’re feeling sad!
- Headache and fatigue: Sometimes sneezing, coughing and nasal congestion can make you feel headache and tired.
These symptoms may appear immediately when you come into contact with pollen and may last as long as you are exposed to the pollen. And for some people, they experience these symptoms throughout the spring.
Treatment for hay fever
Fortunately, there are ways to help relieve the symptoms of hay fever:
- drug:There are many medicines that can help. Antihistamines can reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Nasal sprays can relieve nasal congestion, and eye drops can relieve itchy, watery eyes. Most treatments are also safe for children, but it is always prudent to consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
- stay indoors: On days when pollen concentrations are very high, staying indoors can help you avoid the worst of it. You can keep pollen out of your home by closing your windows and using air conditioning.
- Wear sunglasses: When going out, wearing sunglasses can prevent pollen from entering your eyes.
- Shower and change clothes after going out: This helps remove pollen from your body and clothes so you don’t continue to breathe in pollen once you get indoors.
Can hay fever be cured?
Although there is no cure for hay fever, limiting exposure to pollen and using medications can go a long way in controlling symptoms. Some people find that their symptoms become less severe as they age. For people with very severe allergy symptoms, your doctor may recommend allergy shots. This is a long-term treatment plan that involves injecting a vaccine containing small amounts of pollen to gradually acclimate your body to the pollen so that you no longer have a severe reaction to it.
Conclusion
Hay fever is a common problem during the spring, but by taking the right approach, you can keep these pesky symptoms under control. Knowing what causes hay fever and how to treat it can give you peace of mind. Please note that if your symptoms are really bothering you or medication is not working, it is best to seek help from your doctor. They can help you find the best way to control hay fever so that you can enjoy a sneezing-free spring!
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