What is Hay fever?
Hayfever is a common allergic reaction which occurs at particular times of the year. It is known as seasonal rhinitis. It can affect both children and adults.Â
Causes
It is caused when the body makes allergic antibodies (IgE) to certain substances such as dust, pollen mould or house mites. These are known as allergens. Grass pollen is the most common allergen May-July and tree pollen February-June and weed pollen June-September
Common Symptoms
- Itchy Eyes
- Sneezing
- Tiredness
- Shortness of BreathÂ
- Red/ Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Blocked SinusesÂ
- Post-Nasal Drip. (Running mucus and the back of the throat).
Medications
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You are able to use over the counter medications such as antihistamines. These help with common symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes. Eye drops and saline nasal drops are also good for relieving mild to moderate symptoms.
When To See A Doctor
Speak to your GP when over the counter (OTC) medications do not help or cause unwanted annoying side effects. You could also have another condition which may need seeing to such as nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections.Â
Treatments for Hay fever:
Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis depends on how radical your symptoms are and the way they’re affecting your daily performances.Â
Most of the time treatment plans focus on reducing the symptoms such as wheezing and a blocked or runny nose.Â
 If you have mild signs of Allergic Rhinitis, you can frequently treat the symptoms by yourself.Â
 However, you should visit your GP if your symptoms are more radical or if self- improvement measures have not worked.
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