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Hay fever is an allergic reaction and is also called as nasal allergy, seasonal allergic rhinitis or pollinosis. It is a kind of allergy to pollen, dander or dust in the air. Hay fever causes allergy of the nose and the eyes.
Although this allergy is seasonal, it can last throughout the year or as long as the allergens remain in the air. Spring and fall are the two seasons when people usually suffer from hay fever. Some of the plants or trees which can cause hay fever are willow, birch, hazel and alder or even grass such as rye grass, mugwort, rag weed fat hen and timothy. These pollens and allergens are airborne and they enter the body through the nose and mouth. These enter the air passage, throat and the lungs. The immune system of our body reacts to these allergens and releases certain antibodies such as immunoglobulin (IgE) to resist these allergens. These antibodies release certain chemicals like histamines to flush the pollens out of the air passage. The effect of these histamines triggers the allergic reactions which are called as hay fever.
Some of the common symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, coughing, runny nose and headache. One might also experience itching of the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, throat or any other affected area. This itching gives way to fever, wheezing, impaired smell, irritability and sore throat. Flushing, fatigue and cross-reactivity, nasal congestion and stuffy nose are other such symptoms which are seen during hay fever. Certain symptoms can be visible only when certain allergens are involved. Also the severity of the symptoms varies from person to person.
Home remedies can help reduce the symptoms of hay fever. Mince some grapefruits and lemon and add honey to it. Have this solution at least thrice a day. Irritation of the nose can be stopped by applying a little petroleum jelly. Boiling chamomile and inhaling fumes from the water can also prove helpful in curing hay fever. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet during hay fever. Increase the intake of vitamin C in the diet. Avoid flour, salt, sugar and dairy products for at least a week. Drink herbal tea and plenty of water. Increase the intake of proteins in the diet. Avoid the use of nasal spray. It increases the congestion of the nose. Avoid smoking as much as you can. Try not getting exposed to air pollutants. If the reaction persists for a long time, consult a physician.
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