Our body reacts negatively every time a foreign matter enters it. The foreign substance alters the normal function of the body. In the case of inhaling or swallowing tiny particles into our system, this may give rise to a negative reaction called hay fever. This medical condition, also called allergic rhinitis, is the immune system’s response to the allergen that entered the body through the nose, mouth or skin.
Despite its name, the negative reaction is not because of hay and does not include fever as one of its symptoms. The name was derived form the 1800’s when British doctors noticed that cut grass or hay had negative effects to its local residents. They experienced having itchy eyes and runny nose. During that time, the doctors misunderstood the hay as the cause of the reaction when in fact it was because of the pollen present in the hay. Fever was added to the name because one of the symptoms experienced was nervousness, which at that time was the English meaning of fever.
Hay fever comes about when an antibody is in contact with an antigen. This would result to the release of chemicals or hormones called mediators. These mediators have an effect to the organs and cells of the body. And this causes an allergic reaction.
Heredity is one important factor in contributing to hay fever. A person who has a family with a history of allergies and asthma are more likely to have hay fever than those that does not. Hay fever is also more likely to develop in childhood and early adulthood. Because pollen is the most common cause of hay fever, the medical condition is often considered seasonal. Hot, dry and windy days often produce many hay fevers. While during cool, damp and rainy days, hay fevers are less likely because it is during these times that pollen grains are washed to the ground. Molds, another form of allergen, are present though all throughout the year and do not choose any season or climate. These allergens grow both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, they are usually found in places where there is no free circulation of air; in basements, bathrooms and attics. Outdoors, they are usually present in the soil and in plants.
The common signs of hay fever are itchiness of the eyes and nose. Some people only experience a mild reaction while others suffer severe reactions. Mild reactions include only short, irregular symptoms. Severe symptoms have persistent effects, which lasts for four days to four weeks. These also include chronic congestion or stuffiness, which will result to swelling of the face, impaired sense of taste and smell and bluishness of the eye bags.
Forms of medication can be used to remedy the symptoms of hay fever. One of these is the Corticosteroid nasal sprays. This will reduce stuffiness and swelling. It will take some tome for the medication to work that is why it must be taken daily to reach its effectiveness. Examples of these are Beclomethasine, Triamcinolae and Fluticasone. Antitistamine is another form of medication. There are two types, the non-prescribed and the prescribed Antitistamines. The non-prescriptions are readily available and inexpensive but the effects are short-time and will cause drowsiness. The prescribed Antitistamines, although expensive, provides a longer effect and may cause only mild sleepiness or no drowse at all. Another form of medication that is also available in prescription is Leukotriene inhibitors. These are available in tablet or in granular form. Cromolyn Sodium, another form of medication for hay fever, is available in aerosol form or eyedrops. It decreases the sensistivity of the mucous membrane to allergens. This type of medication works well as a prevention, better used when one does not have hay fever yet. Decongestants another type of remedy will stop the itching of the eyes.
If none of the medication is working, another remedy to the symptoms is immunization. Allergy shots are taken over a period of months in a controlled setting like a clinic. This will result to the decrease of the person’s sensitivity to the allergen, which will then lessen the negative reaction of the person.
When hay fever is not treated properly or if medications are improperly used, complication may arise. That is why hay fever should not just be taken lightly. These may contribute to the development to more serious conditions such as sinusitis and asthma. Eczema, inflammation of the skin may also be developed. In children, hay fever is considered as a contributing factor to otitis or ear infection.
Preventive measures should be practiced to avoid the complication and the need to treat hay fever. Simple methods such as staying indoors in the morning, when the outdoor pollen levels are highest, and keeping windows and doors are one of these. Other helpful preventions are: not drying clothes outdoors, avoiding exposure to other irritants like air pollution, washing hands and face regularly to remove any foreign substance that may enter the nose, and using dehumidifier to decrease the humidity indoors.
