What is Hay Fever

Foreign substances which infiltrate through the nose, throat, sinus, and eyes are responsible to cause hay fever. Thus, it is basically a respiratory disorder. Both men and women can fall victims to hay fever. In the United States of America, around 18% of the population suffer from this illness annually. The most common question that arises in the minds of people is just when is hay fever season? Maximum number of people get infected with hay fever in spring and fall seasons. Even though it is a seasonal fever, it can occur at any time of the year if the allergen is present. Allergens are substances present in the atmosphere and cause allergies in people. The above content certainly must have given you an idea of what is hay fever.

Some More Information on Hay Fever
As mentioned above, allergens enter our body at the time of breathing, swallowing or through the linings of the eyes. The white blood corpuscles of our immune system produce antibodies to destroy the effect of the allergens. Hormones or chemicals called mediators are produced when the antibodies called immunoglobulin E come in direct contact of the allergens. The best example of a mediator is Histamine. The symptoms of hay fever are the effects of the mediators on the organs and other cells of the body. Pollen allergy causes hay fever. Pollens are particles which grow from the flowering plants. There are some pollens which have more possibility of causing allergic reactions than certain other pollens. Pollens are also released by grass and weeds. Ragweed is known to cause hay fever. The quantity of pollen in the air depends on the weather conditions. Molds are also examples of allergens which do not have roots, stems or leaves. Molds belong to the fungus category of allergens.

Symptoms of Hay Fever
The hay fever symptoms are as follows

• Fatigue
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Lack of good sleep
• Itching of nose and skin
• Stuffy nose

When Should You Seek Medical Treatment?
Prevention is better than cure. If you observe that any of the above mentioned symptoms do not show signs of recovery with passage of time, consult your doctor immediately. Long lasting fever also indicates signs of hay fever. If you experience secretions from your nose which contain blood, or are colored or very thick, it is a wake up call for you. Hay fever patients have a sore throat which does not get cured quickly and easily. They also complain about ear discharge.

Examinations and Tests for Hay Fever
People having a family history of infections, allergies and asthma are more prone to hay fever than those who have a history of good health. Your doctor will ask you about your family health history. People with eczema history also have a risk of developing hay fever. Eczema is an allergy which is associated with the skin. Some symptoms may occur as a result of staying in a particular geographical location. The doctor may question you in this regard. The examining doctor will take a liquid sample of your nasal discharge. The immune cells known as eosinophil, present in the sample will be studied under a electron microscope. Skin test for hay fever symptoms is conducted by introducing the dilute solutions of different kinds of allergens into your skin. A report is generated after proper examination of the patient.

Precautions and Treatments for Hay Fever
It is not always necessary to visit a doctor to prevent or cure hay fever. We can avoid the illness by following some precautionary tips. To avoid a sore throat, gargle with warm water containing 2 spoons of table salt. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine which helps to treat symptoms like itching of eyes, sore throat and sneezing. A decongestant like pseudoephedrine along with an antihistamine will help if you have a stuffy nose.

You should strictly follow all the instructions of your medical health care provider/consultant. Avoid going to outside places frequently if you are suffering from hay fever. If the basic treatments and care do not work, immunotherapy is the solution to cure your hay fever. Immunotherapy involves injecting tiny amounts of antigen to reduce your reaction to allergen for a fixed period of time.

Adequate knowledge of available treatments is necessary to cope with hay fever. Trust your doctor and follow his advice to live a healthy life.