Hay Fever is also known as allergic rhinitis. Even though its name sounds a bit unfamiliar, but it is one of the most common conditions in which you may observe symptoms like normal cold. The common symptoms are sneezing, running nose, sinus pressures and congestion. However this fever is different because while the cold may be caused because of virus, Hay Fever on the other hand is caused because of airborne substances like pollen.
You may think that it is a fever that has something to do with “hay.” Actually, it has nothing to do with hay, neither you would be allergic to hay. Mostly, people refer to this fever when you are allergic to pollen or one or two other airborne substances. Around 20% people in North America and Western Europe suffer from Hay Fever. It can affect people at any age and can get severe with the old age.
Symptoms of Hay Fever
Symptoms may be visible at different times of the year. It totally depends on the things that patient is allergic to. Here, if we talk particularly about the pollens, you may get Hay Fever when there are more pollen in the air. The common symptoms are:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Itchy throat
- Itchy nose
- Blocked/runny nose
- Loss of smell and taste
- Facial pain caused by blocked sinuses
- Itchiness spreads from the throat, to the nose and ears
- Sweat
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Tiredness
Causes of Hay Fever
When the airborne substance acts as the threat to your immune system, it is then that you start having the Hay Fever. The body may think it as a threat and produces the antibody known as immunoglobulin E. because of the release of chemicals such as histamine; you may observe symptoms of Hay Fever. The causes or triggering factors of Hay Fever are:
- Tree Pollen
- Grass Pollen
- Weed Pollen
- Mold Spores and Fungi
Treatment of Hay Fever
There are a range of over-the-counter treatments as well as medications for curing Hay Fever. Sometimes, doctors may recommend combination of two to three medicines for curing Hay Fever. It is absolutely imperative to keep in mind that Hay Fever medicines are meant only for the adults. In case of kids, it is better to consult and confirm the treatment options for them.
Hay Fever can be cured easily by following the suggestions of the doctor and avoiding certain risk factors.