Hayfever is an allergic condition which can be triggered by a wide variety of irritants. Hayfever is also known as allergic rhinitis or allergic sinusitis since the allergic reaction is limited to the eyes, nose, and airways. Allergic rhinitis is an abnormal immune system reaction to an otherwise harmless trigger, such as pollen, house-dust mite, mold and animal dander.
Allergic rhinitis
Test for allergies
If you suffer from severe allergies which are difficult to control and identify, allergy testing may be useful. There are two main types of testing: skin testing and blood testing. A small amount of the allergen is applied to the skin, usually the forearm, in skin testing. The skin may be lightly pricked. The doctor will then measure the degree to which the skin reacts/swells to each allergen over the next ten minutes. Blood testing makes use of a laboratory to check for immune markers.
The doctor will try to narrow down the likely suspects before testing because this can be expensive and it takes a few days for the results.
Change of season
Symptoms of hayfever
Hayfever can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The allergic reaction can cause the nose to flare up, become blocked, increased mucus production, causing sneezing, post-nasal drip, and can lead to the itchiness of the palate and ears. Sinus headaches, itching eyes, a runny red nose are all some of the less pleasant indicators of allergies.
Home remedies
Hayfever can be effectively treated and you would be amazed what a difference you will experience in your quality of life if you get the ongoing symptoms under control. You can treat the allergy either by using medication such as antihistamine tablets, which is available over the counter (OTC), nasal sprays, decongestants, eye drops, allergy shots, or homeopathic or natural remedies.
Pollen
Other lifestyle changes may have huge benefits too. These include the following:
- Pollen avoidance, do not hang your washing outside on a windy day, to avoid trapping the pollens. Keep the car windows closed whilst traveling
- Avoid plants or grasses in your garden that you know you may be allergic to
- Avoid mowing the lawn
- Avoid outdoor exercises during the pollen season
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your lower nasal passages to trap some of the pollen before it gets into your nose
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