Seasonal Allergies:Hay Fever

Hay fever is also known as Allergic Rhinitis causes cold-like symptoms such as itchy eyes, running nose, sneezing, congestion, and sinus pressure. Hay fever is not caused by a virus but is caused by an allergic response to indoor or outdoor allergens such as pet dander, pollen, or even dust mites. Hay fever can make one feel weak and miserable affecting performance at work or school and interfere with indulging in leisurely activities as well.

Hay fever can develop at any age but one is most likely to be affected during childhood or early adulthood. For many people, hay fever symptoms may diminish slowly, often over decades. Also, one may have allergy symptoms all year long, but the symptoms may worsen during certain times of the year.

What triggers Hay fever?

• Grass pollen or tree pollen
• Spores from fungi and molds
• Cockroaches and dust mites
• Dander from pets

What are the symptoms of Hay fever?

• Sneezing
• Cough
• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Itchy nose
• Sinus pressure and facial pain
• Decreased sense of taste or smell
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes

How to prevent Hay fever?

• Keep windows and doors shut when pollen is high
• Keep your floors, carpets, and surfaces as dust free as possible
• Don't have flowers inside your home
• If you use a vacuum cleaner, make it a point to use a good filter
• If you're a smoker, giving it up can help reduce your symptoms
• Smear some Vaseline around the inside edges of your nostrils, this helps stop pollen from getting through

When to see a doctor?

• Your symptoms become severe and your allergy medications are causing troublesome side effects.

Note: Despite the name, hay fever does not mean you're allergic to hay!