Hay Fever - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergen such as pollen or spores entering the body and causing an allergic reaction. People can suffer hay fever one year and not the next and the severity of symptoms can vary. In summer and spring pollen is released from trees, plants and grasses causing seasonal rhinitis.  Hay fever like symptoms that continue into autumn and winter is classed as perennial rhinitis and can often be caused more by animal dander, dust mites or mould spores.

When the allergen (e.g. pollen) enters the body, the immune system treats it as a threat and activates the body's immune system. Histamine is released which causes blood to rush to the nose leading to inflammation

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The most common symptoms are;

• Sneezing
• Runny or itchy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy roof of mouth
• Coughing
  

There is a huge variety of products available to treat whichever hay fever symptoms you have. You can always call into any McGorisks Pharmacy to ask advice from our helpful staff.

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For regular hay fever sufferers, taking antihistamines daily from the start of spring can help prevent symptoms occurring. Alternatively, they can be taken on days pollen is high or you know you wil be outdoors. Antihistamines block the histamine being released when you first come in contact with any pollen. The most popular over the counter antihistamines are loratadine (e.g. Clarityn, Lorat) or cetirizine (e.g. Zirtek, Cetrine). These are once a day tablets and are usually non drowsy. Older generation antihistamines such as chlorphenamine (Piriton) can be useful when skin reactions are also occuring or when sleeping is difficult due to allergies. Piriton does cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be used long term.  Fexofenadine (Telfast) is another antihistamine that has recently changed over from only being available with a prescription. It is a non drowsy, once daily antihistamine and gives 24 hour relief.

Nasal sprays can be helpful in two different ways – decongestant nasal sprays such as Otrivine or Sudafed can be used for the first few days to clear blocked noses. They shouldn’t be used for any longer than 5 to 7 days as they can cause rebound congestion. Steroid nasal sprays such as Beconase, Nsascort or Flixonase can be safely used all throughout hay fever season. These reduce the inflammation in the nose which helps to control symptoms. Steroid nasal sprays give some relief straight away but need to be used for a few days to feel the full effect. Sterimar hayfever is an isotonic salt water spray than can help to remove pollen from the nose. Sterimar is drug free so is suitable for use in pregnancy.

Eye irritation can be one of the most annoying hay fever symptoms for a lot of people. Eyes can be red and itchy or watery. Using antihistamine tablets and even nasal sprays is often enough to treat the eye symptoms but other times eye drops are needed. Opticrom are the most popular anti allergy eye drops and can help with symptoms of itchy, streaming or redness. The come in both a multi dose bottle or as single use little plastic tubes. Otrivine Antistin eye drops contain two ingredients – both an anti allergic and a decongestant. As it contains a decongestant, it shouldn’t be used for longer than 7 days. Another natural anti allergic molecule is Ectoin. This is found in both hylo dual and fusion allergy and can help ease itchy, red, watery eyes.

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There are a few ways to help avoid pollen from entering your system and hopefully preventing hay fever symptoms.

Hay-band is a very popular product that you wear on the inside of your elbow. It stimulates the LI-11 pressure point (Quchi point) which can relieve or prevent symptoms of hay fever.

Hay Max is a barrier balm which can be applied under the nostrils to trap pollen from entering the nose. Vaseline or any petroleum jelly can also be used in this way.

• Dry clothes inside instead of outside to avoid pollen sticking to them.
• Keep windows closed, especially on high pollen days.
• Wash hair and face when exposed to a lot of pollen e.g. in fields or gardens.
• Wear sunglasses or glasses outside .
• Wipe down any pets when they come in from outside if they come in contact with grass or trees.
• Change clothes after coming inside, especially on high pollen days.
• Keep an eye on the pollen count on Met Éireann’s website as it gives the forecast for the following three days including what types of pollen or spores are expected.

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