Hay fever (Seasonal allergic rhinitis) is a very common ailment with almost 20 percent of the UK population suffering at some time. Unfortunately like other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever is becoming more prevalent, especially in children.

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay Fever is an allergic response to common pollens such as grass and tree pollens. In those affected, contact with pollen causes an increase in an antibody¹ called immunoglobin E. This increase causes certain cells in the body, particularly in the respiratory tract, to release histamine. It is the histamine that causes the unpleasant symptoms of hay fever.

Tendency to hay fever can be hereditary and is commonly linked with asthma and eczema.

The Symptoms

The symptoms of hay fever can vary from mild to a degree where they are uncomfortable enough to interfere with daily tasks. Depending on which pollen(s) the sufferer is allergic to they may suffer for only a few weeks or more rarely many months.
The most common symptoms are sore, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. In asthma sufferers hay fever can make wheezing worse as it irritates the respiratory tract.

Treament

There is a wide range of treatments available from your doctor and over the counter. A combination of more than one type of treatment may be required in some cases. Always seek medical advice as to what is right for you, especially if you are taking other medicines and read the label carefully.

Antihistamines: Your doctor may prescribe these or you can buy them from a pharmacist. They come in tablet or liquid form.
Nasal sprays: including steroid based ones can be very helpful to some sufferers.
Eye Drops:To help ease eye itching, there are a wide range available.
Immunology: In severe cases your doctor may wish to give a long acting steroid injection or a course of steroid tablets.