7 Things You Should Know About Hay Fever...

• Posted On: 26/05/2010 10:14:00
• In: General

1. Hay fever is an allergic response.
   Like all allergies, hay fever is an abnormal reaction by the body's immune system to a normally harmless substance - in this case, pollen. IgE antibodies, cells that normally fight bacteria, see pollen as something that needs to be attacked. When exposed to a certain level of pollen, they release histamine and other chemicals to fight the invader. This in turn triggers a host of symptoms, including sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and even irritability and tiredness. Hay fever affects around 20 per cent of people in the UK.
2. Grass pollen is the chief trigger.
   In Britian, around 90 per cent of people with hay fever are thought to be allergic to grass pollen. Other common triggers include tree and shrub pollen, mould spores and weeds. Research also suggests that air pollution, such as cigarette smoke or car exhaust fumes, can exacerbate the symptoms. The triggers vary from person to person as well as from region to region.
3. It can strike at different times of the year.
   The time of year at which people begin to experience symptoms depends on the pollen they are allergic to. Trees start to release pollen in April or earlier. "The timing depends on the harshness of the preceding winter," says Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the National Pollen and Aerobiology Reasearch Unit. Grass pollen follows in mid-June, and weeds and certain shrubs in late summer. So the hay fever season can last from April to October, and some people experience symptoms as early as March.
4. There is no cure for hay fever.
   Hay fever cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled. Treatments include antihistamine tablets, nasal spray and eye drops, many of which are available at your local pharmacy. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before deciding on a treatment, especially if you also have asthma as hay fever can sometimes exacerbate asthma symptoms.
5. Is it worth trying herbal remedies.
   "Hay fever is a sign that your immune system is out of balance, so it is a good idea to give it a boost several weeks before your symptoms usually start," advises medical hebalist Luzia Barclay. "Try a herbal remedy, such as echinacea, which has immune-balancing properties," she says. Other herbs that may help to bring releif include eucalyptus, euphrasia (taken as infusion) and elderflower. Reasearch also shows that the herb butterbur can be affective as antihistamine medications.
6. Homeopathic remedies can be useful.
   It is best to see a homeopath so treatment can be tailored to your symptoms, but if they are mild you could try one of the following remedies taken in the 6c potency or as directed: Arsenicum album for hot, burning, streaming eyes and sneezing, or Euphrasia for swollen, irritated eyes with frequent desire to blink.
7. You can protect yourself.
   You can't avoid pollen or spores, but reducing your exposure to them can help. Check the pollen count each day on the radio or TV an if it's going to be high, try to stay indoors. Wear wraparound sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes, leave doors and windows closed mid-morning and early evening, when pollen levels tend to peak, and avoid parks or fields in the early evening when pollen tends to settle at ground level.

 Fix It Fast...

• Try a steam inhalation, adding a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil to the water, to relieve a stuffy nose.
• Apply a cold camomile compress to sore and itchy eyes. (Soak two camomile teabags in water, then cool them in the fridge before using them as eye - masks.)
• Use an ioniser in the house to ease breathing.
• If you have a bad attack outside, go indoors as soon as you can. Close doors and windows and sit quietly for a few moments. Change your clothes if possible.
• Drink warm camomile tea to ease an irritated throat.