Health Advice
Hayfever
There are two types of hayfever: seasonal and perennial. Seasonal hayfever or seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs in the spring, summer and early autumn. During these times the level of plant pollen is at its highest. Perennnial hayfever or perennial allergic rhinitis occurs all year. It is usually caused by substances found in the air at home or in the workplace. A person may have on or both types of hayfever. Both forms of hayfever can develop at any age, but in most cases, they first appear during childhood.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis
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Caused by an allergy to airborne pollens and/or mould spores
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Grass pollen hayfever is the most common form, occuring in the main summer months when grass pollens are at their highest levels
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Tree pollen hayfever is most frequent in the spring months of March, April and May
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Mould spores can cause symptoms in susceptible people in late Summer/early Autumn
Perennial allergic rhinitis
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Examples if substances causing this type of allergic reaction can be house dust mites, animal dander, feathers, moulds, certain chemicals and certain foods
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Other possible causes of perennial hayfever include; Cigarette smoke, perfume, cosmetics, cleansers, chemicals used in copy machines, industrial chemicals and gases given off by construction materials, such as insulation
Symptoms may include:
The common cold can often be confused with hayfever because they both cause similar symptoms. Here's how to tell the difference:
|
Hayfever |
Common Cold |
| Signs & Symptoms |
Runny nose with thin, watery discharge |
Runny nose with watery to thick yellow discharge |
|
Onset |
Immediately after exposure to allergy causing substances |
One to three days after exposure to cold virus |
| Duration |
As long as you're exposed to allergy causing substances |
Five to seven days |
Treatment
The best treatment for hayfever is to avoid the allergens that cause the condition. For example, people who are allergic to grass should not mow the lawn. However, in some cases it may be difficult to avoid allergens. There are a number of hayfever and allergy treatments available over-the-counter or from your doctor.
As always, check with the pharmacist if you are taking any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication in case there may be an interaction with hayfever medication and your regular medication. If you suffer from heart disease or are pregnant, ask the pharmacist's advise on appropriate treatments.
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Antihistamines: These oral medications and nasal sprays help relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose, but have less effect on congestion. Antihistamines can be used after the symptoms of hayfever appear, but they are more effective if used before the symptoms appear. Many older types of antihistamines cause drowsiness but some newer types do not have this effect.
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Decongestants: Decongestants constrict blood vessels. They reduce the loss of fluid from blood vessels that cause many symptoms of hayfever. Decongestants can increase blood pressure and heart rate, so avoid them if you have high blood pressure. They should not be taken for more than a few days at a time. Decongestants are often used in combination with antihistamines.
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Steroid Nasal Sprays: Because corticosteroid nasal sprays are the most effective hayfever medications, they're often prescribed first, especially for more troublesome signs and symptoms. Although these medications can be effective after a few days of treatment, you may not notice any improvement until after you've used them for a week or so.
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Eye Drops: Almost all hayfever sufferers have troublesome eye symptoms. Eye drops containing sodium cromoglicate will help eyes that are red, watery, itchy and sore. If you wear contact lenses, check with your pharmacist before using eye drops, as some contain a substance which can damage your contact lenses.
Pollen Count
The pollen count simply means the amount of pollen present in the air. Pollen counts and forecasts are now given regularly on television, radio and in the daily newspapers.
A pollen count of 50 grains per cubic metre is likely to affect most hayfever sufferers. At the begining of the hayfever season, sufferers will find they can tolerate a reasonable amount of pollen in the air without too much of a reaction. However, as the season continues, it will take less and less pollen to produce a reaction as your eyes and nose have become more sensitive to pollen and are already inflamed. There are two peaks in the pollen count on most days - mid-morning and early evening.
Prevention
It's not possible to completely avoid allergens, but you can reduce your signs and symptoms by minimizing your exposure to them.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis
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Keep windows and doors shut at times of high pollen count
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Wear sunglasses to keep pollen out of the eyes
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Bring washing in before evening to avoid pollen collecting on clothes
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Keep fresh flowers out of the house
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Clean air conditioner filters in the home regularly
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Avoid mowing the lawn and other gardening, which stirs up pollen
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Avoid areas of long grass and fields where grass or crops have recently been cut
Perennial allergic rhinitis
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Hot wash all bedding at least once a week
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Vacuum frequently and dust regularly with a damp cloth
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Keep pets off furniture and out of bedroom areas
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Have pets bathed and groomed regularly
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Give up smoking and don't let others smoke in your home as chemicals in cigarette smoke can make allergies worse
For more information and advice, ask your pharmacist.
