HAYFEVER

Symptoms

Hayfever is a seasonal rhinitis (irritation of the nose) caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. This is because mucous membrane (which lines the nose, eyes and air passages) becomes inflamed due to airborne allergens.

Hay fever can coincide with the start of Spring, and includes symptoms such as:
• Frequent sneezing
• Blocked up nose
• Prolific clear mucus
• Itchy, painful nose, throat
• Nasal and sinus discharge
• Stuffy, runny nose
• Coughing
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Head and nasal congestion

Causes

An allergic reaction, such as hayfever, occurs when the immune system attacks a harmless substance called an ‘allergen’ (usually pollen) that enters the body. As a response, histamine is released and attacks the harmless substance as if it were a threat. This results in itchiness and swelling affecting areas including the eyes, nose, mouth and air passages. Sneezing and watery discharges from the nose and eyes are some of the body's methods for flushing away the allergen particles.

There is often a link between hayfever and conditions such as asthma, eczema and psoriasis. It often occurs in people with frequent upper respiratory tract infections. Sometimes people who don’t have good nutrition, or who suffer from poor general health are more susceptible to pollen as their immune system is weak.

How to treat it

There is no cure for hayfever, except perhaps to avoid or control the environment that causes the condition; for example, avoiding outdoor exposure during pollen season.

Symptoms can be relieved using nasal corticosteroid sprays, and antihistamine tablets can also help.

Natural therapies such as Vitamin C and bioflavanoids can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, and help maintain a healthy immune system.

Lifestyle considerations

Ensure you are eating a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and quality proteins such as fish, lean chicken and beans. Green leafy vegetables provide a high nutrient content for a healthy immune system. Food such as non- gluten wholegrains (like brown rice, cereals and bran) are excellent non-mucus forming foods.

Your local pharmacist is an excellent source of information about hayfever medications, and can help explain the difference between analgesics, vitamins and mineral supplements, and herbal remedies that may help your symptoms.

Sourced from:
www.netdoctor.com.uk
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
www.medicinenet.com

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