Common Hayfever Symptoms
Hayfever symptoms may include:
- Sneezing: Frequent sneezing is a common symptom of hayfever. Hayfever-triggered sneezing is often triggered by exposure to pollen.
- Stuffy or runny nose: Hayfever can cause a runny or congested nasal passages, which as a result, may lead to difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Itchy, irritated or watery eyes: Itchy, red, and watery eyes are hallmark symptoms of hayfever. This can be particularly bothersome and sometimes affect one’s vision.
- Itchy throat and ears: Some people suffering from hayfever symptoms may experience itching in the throat and/or itching of the ears. This can lead to discomfort and require throat clearing to alleviate the discomfort caused.
- Coughing: A persistent cough may develop, often due to a post-nasal drip caused by hayfever symptoms.
- Fatigue: Hayfever can be exhausting for some, especially if symptoms are severe and ongoing. Poor sleep quality due to congestion and discomfort can contribute to fatigue.
- Headaches: Some individuals with hayfever may experience headaches, especially when nasal congestion is severe.
- Ear congestion: Hayfever may impact the Eustachian tubes, leading to ear congestion and discomfort.
- Reduced sense of smell and taste: Nasal congestion may temporarily impair one’s sense of smell and/or taste.
It is important to note that hayfever symptoms can vary depending on the type of pollen to which a person is allergic and the individual’s sensitivity. Springtime hayever is often associated with tree-derived pollens, while summer hayfever is more commonly triggered by grass pollens. In some cases, individuals may experience symptoms in both seasons if they are allergic to multiple types of pollen.
Treatment for hayfever symptoms may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and allergy shots (immunotherapy). Avoiding allergens by staying indoors on high-pollen days, keeping windows closed, using air purifiers, and regularly washing bedding may also help to reduce symptoms.
If you suspect you have hayfever or are experiencing persistent allergy-related symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Treatment options for alleviating Hayfever symptoms
Common treatment options to manage Hayfever symptoms
Antihistamines:
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications.
- Block histamine, a chemical that triggers allergy symptoms.
- Common types include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine.
Decongestants:
- Available in oral or nasal spray forms.
- Help relieve nasal congestion.
- Examples include pseudoephedrine and oxymetazoline.
Nasal Corticosteroids:
- Prescription or over-the-counter sprays.
- Reduce inflammation and alleviate nasal symptoms.
Eye Drops:
- Over-the-counter or prescription.
Relieve itchy and watery eyes. - Common types include ketotifen and olopatadine.
Leukotriene Modifiers:
- Prescription medications.
- Work to block leukotrienes, substances involved in allergic reactions.
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy):
- Typically administered by an allergist or other registered healthcare practitioner.
- Gradually de-sensitises the immune system from common allergens.
- Effective for severe or persistent hayfever symptoms.
Saline Nasal Irrigation:
- Saline solution to rinse pollen and other irritants from nasal passages.
- Serves to clear congestion and reduce hayfever symptoms.
Avoidance Strategies:
- Stay indoors on high-pollen days.
- Keep windows closed during pollen season.
- Use air purifiers with medical grade air purifiers eg. HEPA filters.
- Wash bedsheets frequently using hot water.
Allergen-Proofing:
- Cover mattresses and pillows with allergen-proof covers.
- Remove carpets and rugs, which can trap allergens.
- Regularly clean and vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Natural Remedies:
- Some people find relief through the use of herbal supplements such as butterbur or quercetin.
- Local honey may help in reducing hayfever symptoms, although scientific evidence is limited.
Consult a Healthcare Provider:
If symptoms are severe, persistent, or not responding to over-the-counter treatments, consult a healthcare provider or allergist for personalised guidance.
It is advisable to consider use of treatment options under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications. They can help you choose the most suitable treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and one’s individual medical history.
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