Other sites in our network: What's on TV, Now, Pick Me Up, Puzzles and Prizes
Branding_print

What is hay fever?


Strictly speaking, hay fever (also called seasonal allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergy to grass or hay pollens. Grass pollen is the most common cause (May to July). However, the term is sometimes used when allergies are caused by other pollens such as from tree pollens (March to May). Symptoms are due to the immune system reacting to the pollen. Cells on the lining of the nose and eyes release histamine and other chemicals when they come in contact with pollen. This causes inflammation in the nose (rhinitis) and eyes (conjunctivitis).

Who gets hay fever?

Hay fever is very common. It often first develops in the teenage years. Symptoms return for a season each year, but it eventually goes away or improves in many cases (often after having had symptoms each season for several years).

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

  • Common symptoms are a runny and itchy nose, blocked nose, sneezing, itchy and watery red eyes, and an itchy throat. In some cases only nose symptoms occur, and in some cases only the eye symptoms occur.
  • Less common symptoms are loss of smell, face pain, sweats, and headache.
  • Asthma symptoms such as wheeze and breathlessness may get worse if you already have asthma. Some people have asthma symptoms only during the hay fever season.

Will it help if I avoid pollen?

It is impossible to totally avoid pollen. However, symptoms tend to be less severe if you reduce your exposure to pollen. The pollen count is often given with TV, radio, internet, or newspaper weather forecasts. The following may help when the pollen count is high.

  • Stay indoors as much as possible, and keep windows and doors shut.
  • Avoid cutting grass, large grassy places, and camping.
  • Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors, especially after going to the countryside.
  • Wear wrap-around sunglasses when your are out.
  • Keep car windows closed, and consider buying a pollen filter for the air vents in your car.

Share this article

If you want to comment on this article, leave a tip or a story, please fill in the box below.

No comments

Add a comment

Please enter the characters in the image:


Join goodtoknow's Diet club now!

Enter your details below to get a free diet profile

weight

height

age

sex


Today's competition

Win! Now CDs

Win! Now CDs

Dance away to 80s classics with the first edition of Now on CD


Health

January health tips

January health tips

There's one for every day of the month, they're really easy and they'll save you money!

Plus...




goodtoknow poll

Will you try and be healthier in the new year?


  • Yes, it's one of my resolutions 91%
  • No, I'm fine as I am 9%


Visit other sites in our network:

Our sister magazines are:


Visit our associated sites: