Hay Fever - Symptoms and Treatment
Hay fever is an inflammation of the nasal passages caused by an allergic reaction to airborne particles. Common symptoms of hay fever are watery and itchy eyes, a stuffy nose and fatigue. Hay fever can cause irritation in the eyes, throat, nose and even the roof of your mouth. Unhappily, hay fever symptoms plague somewhere between 10-20% of the population in the United States making it one of the most common chronic allergic conditions.
But why is hay fever such a big deal? Hay fever can cause a swelling of the opening to your sinuses. Your sinuses need to drain to rid themselves of bacteria and other nasty intruders. Draining is like a natural flushing out process. If your sinuses can't drain the way that they need to, an infection can spring up. This infection will lead to even worse hay fever symptoms and suffering. An example of this is the development of sinusitis. People with hay fever are more likely to develop sinusitis so anything that you can do to prevent, relieve or attack your symptoms will benefit you in the short and long term.
There are two types of hay fever: seasonal and perennial.
Seasonal Hay Fever
Seasonal hay fever is typically caused by allergies to tree, grass and weed pollens. Their pollens are produced in huge quantities and are released into the air and spread by the wind. With seasonal hay fever, pollen is irritating the immune system which triggers a reaction in the body that produces histamine. Histamine is what causes all of the unfortunate hay fever symptoms. People react differently to different types of pollen. What one person is allergic to may not be what causes your hay fever symptoms to flare up. Additionally, plants release their pollen at different times during the year. As a result, those of you who suffer from hay fever and/or pollen allergies may experience the height of your symptoms during the spring, summer or fall depending on what plants you are allergic to and when those plants are releasing their pollen. Some of the most common offenders are ragweed, tumbleweed, sagebrush and pigweed.
What you all can depend on is that pollen counts will be higher on dry, warm days accompanied by a strong wind. Transversely, pollen counts will be lower after a steady rain. Rain will wash pollen out of the air leaving it more allergen free for you. You can always check the pollen count on the daily news, especially during hay fever season.
Perennial Hay Fever
Perennial hay fever is the worst kind because it can occur all year round and the causes are closer to home. This type of hay fever is provoked by some or all of the elements found in house dust. These elements include pet dander, dust mites and mold spores. Pet dander is created from the continual shedding of dried saliva, skin and hair. You come into contact with these particles through breathing them in via the air in your home or by touching your pet. Every home has dust mites. When these microscopic insects die, their bodies are so weightless that they can be lifted into the air and then breathed in by you. Mold spores are released into the air by mildew and other household molds. Mold can grow in damp places like your basements, windowsills, refrigerators and bathrooms.
It is important to note that cigarette smoke, cosmetics, cleansers, perfume and industrial chemicals can also aggravate allergies and bring on hay fever symptoms. These items irritate the eyes, nose and throat much like the allergens that release histamine in your body do. While they irritate your body in much the same way, they are not classified as allergens.
Natural Hay Fever Treatment
While there is clearly a plethora of over the counter medicines and even physician given shots to help relieve the symptoms of hay fever, some of you are looking for a natural and healthier treatment. There are alternatives out there to help you gain control of your hay fever symptoms. Here are a few suggestions:
- Vitamins. Some vitamins and supplements can help to ease hay fever symptoms and help your body readjust. Vitamin C in large amounts can aid your body in stabilizing your mucous membrane response. Butterbur Ze300 has also shown to help with allergies. It appears to have the same affect on the body as an over the counter antihistamine without the side effect of drowsiness.
- For the brave and adventurous at heart, Acupuncture has been suggested to have beneficial effects for allergy sufferers.
- Reduce your exposure to pollen. You can do this by staying indoors when pollen circulation is at its height (like during the morning) and closing your windows. If you need some air to cool down, run your air conditioning on recirculate and keep your windows closed. You should also keep your car windows rolled up while you are driving. It is also advised that you shower after being outside to get rid of any pollen that may have attached itself to you or your clothes and to wash your clothes in high heat water and put them in the dryer. Another way to reduce exposure to pollen is to simply avoid forest areas and uncut grass fields during allergy season.
- To cut down on in home allergens you should keep your home clean. Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner so that you can trap really fine particles that might cause your hay fever symptoms to flare up later. Clean your floors and walls with a damp rag or a mop. Keep pets out of your bedroom and off of furniture. These are places where dander could get caught and accumulate. Wash your hands after you play with your pet. You should cover your pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites out. If you can, you should replace your carpeting with hard surface flooring. Allergens can accumulate in carpet and they are harder to remove on that surface. Hard surface floors are easier to clean and to maintain allergen free. Make sure to take special note of damp areas in your home where mold could accumulate. Use disinfectant to clean mold prone areas like bathrooms. Keep your house dry by properly ventilating it and even using a dehumidifier.
- A HEPA air purifier is a fantastic addition to your home that will help with both types of hay fever. A filter like the IQAir HealthPro Plus would attack seasonal and household allergens that trigger hay fever symptoms. This extraordinary filter features a true medical grade HEPA filter, activated carbon impregnated with potassium permanganate. This comprehensive filter process removes airborne pollutants like pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, tobacco smoke, odors and even microorganisms! This air purifier offers a natural solution to your hay fever symptoms by filtering all the typical offenders out of the air in your home. You can live in a hay fever free environment simply by adding this purifier to your already implemented hay fever treatment plan of action. Additionally, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is on casters which provide for convenient mobility and it is extremely quiet. You won't even notice when it is on and running. Hay fever symptoms drain your energy and leave your body feeling sore, tired and irritated. Take a huge step toward recovery with the HealthPro Plus Air Purifier. Enjoy relief from hay fever all year!