Hay Fever or Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis (‘rhinitis’, as in ‘rhino’ - nose) occurs after exposure to allergens such as airborne particles of dust, dander (excess animal hair such as cat hair – similar to ‘dandruff’ in humans which is excess skin cells), or the pollens of some seasonal plants in people who are allergic to these substances. These allergens are inhaled and absorbed through the resiprtory mucous membrane.

In allergic reactions, the body is exposed to an allergen which it attempts to destroy so to protect the body using antibodies. Chemicals such as histamine are released. But these processes also produce undesirable side effects such as a strong inflammatory reaction which can be more harmful than beneficial. Hay fever is an immediate hypersensitivity that producs symptoms within a few minutes of exposure because antibodies are already present from prior exposure of the allergen.

Here are a few tips that aim to prevent hay fever: Avoiding exposure to pollen is obviously the best way to decrease allergic symptoms.

• Remain indoors in the morning when outdoor pollen levels are highest.
• Do not dry clothes outdoors.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to other environmental irritants such as insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and fresh tar or paint.

Medication for hay fever includes anti-histamines; “allergy shots” (otherwise called hyposensibilization or immunotherapy) that expose the body to the allergen systematially in increasing doses so to build up an immunity to it; as well as other drugs, some in the form of nasal sprays.

In some cases (particularly children), people may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. But unfortunately, usually once a substance causes allergies for an individual, it can continue to affect the person over the long term.

I’ve had hay fever since my early teenage years and I’m plagued with the symptoms every morning at this time of year.