Vote for Your Health

Many people suffer from hay fever, which is an allergy brought on by spores or pollen in the air. Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay allergy causes the afflicted person’s nose to become swollen and inflamed inside, when the allergen is in the air. Approximately 15 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever, and the allergy is twice as common for those who live in the city as opposed to those who reside in the country.

Hay fever affects not only the nose, but the eyes and throat, as well. It also greatly affects the sinuses, which are the small cavities found behind both the forehead and the cheekbones. When a person breathes in the pollen around them, or it gets in their eyes, an allergic reaction can occur. Hay fever can be a problem at any time during the early spring through fall, depending on the type of pollen a person is allergic to. Hay fever occurs mostly within allergy-prone families, and typically starts in a person’s early teen years. Symptoms of hay fever generally come to a peak in a person who is in their 20′s.

Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and a runny or itchy nose. Sneezing may become repetitive at times, especially when the pollen count is high. The throat and ears may become itchy, as well. Many people report a lack of concentration, and having a general feeling of un-wellness. Some people also wheeze if the pollen count is high. Those who suffer from hay fever may experience symptoms at different times than others who are affected, depending on the type of pollen or spore that causes their specific allergy.

While hay fever cannot be completely cured, there are many over the counter treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of this allergy. Benadryl can be used to relieve the symptoms in adults, as can many nasal sprays and eye drops. For more severe allergies, a prescription medication may be given by a doctor. However, over the counter medications have been known to greatly reduce the symptoms of hay fever and bring relief to those who suffer from it yearly.