Advice and Help for Sufferers of Hay Fever and Other Summer Allergies

Like millions of others throughout the world, I suffer from Hay Fever. As I sit here and write, on this gorgeous spring day, I constantly reach for a tissue to block my sneezes and blow my ever blocked nose. Hay Fever is a curse many of us have to endure. It can prevent us from performing daily tasks and really mar enjoying a beautiful day.

Hay Fever is an allergy to certain pollens. In some, this writer included, it can last from the first days of Spring to the last days of Summer. This is due to an extensive list of allergies to different pollens which reach peak levels during different times of these seasons. Unfortunately, I am allergic to almost all of them.

Most people tend to suffer from Hay Fever during the spring months. This is because many trees such as Silver Birch, Ash and Oak tend release the majority of their pollen during this period. Those who suffer from grass pollen allergies see a dramatic increase in Hay Fever symptoms during the months May through August. Weed pollen allergies peak during the late Summer to early Autumn. Depending on when your symptoms hit worse, you can gain an understanding of which pollen you are most allergic to.

Symptoms

Hay Fever sufferers tend to come from families with other sufferers. Symptoms often start in the early teens and tend to peak during the 20's. However, for some (me included), symptoms can start in early childhood and remain consistently bad throughout the life time. Hay fever has also been linked to other allergies such as asthma and eczema.

Hay Fever is caused by pollens being inhaled or by coming in contact with the eyes. The effects of hay fever can range from mild sneezing or itchy eyes to server breathing problems. The most common symptoms of hay fever are:

Repeated and consistent sneezing attacks which are usually worse early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the pollen count tends to be at its highest.

  • Itchy, runny or drippy nose.
  • Itchy and runny eyes.
  • An itching sensation in the ears, mouth and throat.
  • Wheezing breath (also known as hay asthma) and mild breathing problems.
  • Feeling of listlessness or confusion.
  • Generally feeling unwell.

Solution

Fortunately, there are many products on the market to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. Many of which are now sold over the counter and without prescription in your local super market or drug store.

Most people tend to take antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. In combination with decongestant tablets, to free up the excess mucus for expulsion, hay fever symptoms can be stopped in their tracks for most people. Fortunately, these are both over the counter medications and provide an inexpensive way to take the edge off hay fever symptoms.

For others with worse allergies, prescription medications are essential to obtain hay fever relief. Anti allergy medications and nasal sprays are available from your doctor to prevent a reaction to the allergens that cause hay fever. In some extreme cases, steroid based therapies are the best way to control hay fever allergies and symptoms.

It is essential, if you believe that you suffer from hay fever, to visit the doctor and obtain a diagnosis. With the assistance of a medical professions, you can discuss the best options for controlling your hay fever symptoms.

While it is not possible to fully cure hay fever, there are some steps you can take to minimize your suffering. For example, you should keep all windows and doors closed to sleeping areas during the day to prevent too much pollen entering those rooms. Use HEPA vacuums like the ones shared here to clean out pollens. Also, it is advisable to stay away from parks and heavily wooded areas during the early morning or evening, as this is when the pollen count is heaviest and pollen is floating at head levels. Additionally, keep an eye on the pollen count for your area. If the count is high, stay in doors as much as possible to avoid direct and intense exposure.

If you are unsure which pollen affects you the most, take a trip to the local health food store or medical center. Both places offer cheap allergy testing and can provide you with an insight of other allergens that might affect your daily life.

© Copyright Danielle B. Butler