Hay fever sufferers, that's who. And when I say sufferers, I really mean sufferers.
For those who don't get hay fever, it's difficult to understand exactly how terrible it can be. I mean, it's just a bit of sneezing, right? Wrong.
Hay fever is also known as allergic rhinitis - rhino- from the Latin word for nose and -itis meaning inflammation. Around 1 in 5 Australians are expected to have an allergic condition at some point in their lives and it can occur anytime of the year, not just in Spring. Symptoms may include sneezing (mild to uncontrollable), a runny or blocked nose, an itchy or tickling sensation in the nose, throat, ears and roof of the mouth, red, puffy and itchy eyes and a loss of smell or taste. These symptoms may affect concentration and even sleep, making severe sufferers tired and irritable. The symptoms are often at their worst in the morning and on windy days when there is more pollen in the air.
Hay fever is caused by an overactive immune system reacting to certain triggers or allergens. Pollen is the most common allergen, but dust mites, mould spores and animal cells or hair (commonly cats or dogs) can also cause problems. Often people with hay fever are also unlucky enough to get eczema, asthma or hives and it generally runs in families. In fact, if either mum or dad has hay fever, the child has about 30% chance of also having it. If both parents have hay fever, it's about 70% likely the child will have it.
There are lots of non-prescription treatments for hayfever available at Terry White Chemists Berwick. Some of these include:
- Antihistamine tablets, capsules or liquids - the most popular ones are non-drowsy and can be taken once a day. For whatever reason, different ones work best for different people so it may be worth trying a few to work out your favourite.
- Antihistamine eyedrops - these help itchy, swollen and runny eyes.
- Decongestant nasal sprays or drops - particularly useful for a runny or blocked nose, but shouldn't be used for more than five days in a row as long-term use can damage nasal tissue.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays - these help prevent and reduce the inflammation in the nose and help with symptoms of sneezing, runny or blocked nose and puffy or watery eyes. They start to work within a few hours, but will achieve their maximum effect within a few days. They need to be taken continuously during the hay fever season to work best and are safe to use long-term.
So what else can you do to help manage your hay fever? Some suggestions include:
- Avoiding triggers. For example, keep an eye on the pollen count during weather reports and stay inside on days with high pollen forecasts, windy days or after thunderstorms.
- Keep car and house doors and windows closed during pollen season.
- Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors to remove pollen.
- Splash eyes often with cold water to help flush out any pollen.
- Smear petroleum jelly inside your nose to reduce the amount of pollen that you inhale.
- Avoid cigarette smoke as it can make you more sensitive to other allergens.
- Keep animals outdoors.
- Clean your house regularly to reduce dust and mould.
- Hard surfaces such as floorboards and tiles are likely to be better than carpets and rugs.
- Remove sheepskins and woollen and feather bedding from bedrooms.
- Wash soft toys regularly in hot water (60°C).
Our staff at Terry White Chemists Berwick would love to help you manage your hay fever, regardless of how mild or severe it is. Pop in for a chat and don't forget to ask for your Hay Fever Self Care Card.
To finish, I thought I'd attach this very cute clip. I can't be certain that this bear has hay fever, but I'm sure hay fever sufferers can relate!
References and further reading
- Hay Fever Self Care Card, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, published February 2011
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website
- Hay Fever Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published June 2011 (accessed online 8 September 2011)
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