Hay Fever Symptoms and Treatments

Written by: Christopher Karam ｜ ✔️ Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Riad M., M.D - G.P and Micheal B., M.D ｜ Last Updated: 2020 June 02

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) is an allergic inflammatory reaction in the nose, usually caused by allergens, pollen, and animals.

Rhinitis refers to inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane in the nose. Hay fever can be a seasonal allergic reaction or a chronic issue.

Unfortunately, hay fever can is a regular occurrence for most people and can affect you at any place and time. It’s commonly triggered when on outdoor walks, at work, at home, or while driving.

Some of the symptoms of hay fever include a runny nose, congestion, asthma, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure. Being well prepared to treat these symptoms is crucial, as symptoms can last between 2 to 8 days.

The most common seasons for hay fever are between March and September, when it’s warm, humid, and when the pollen count in the air is at high levels.

Unlike colds, which are caused by virus, hay fever is an allergic reaction and begins immediately after exposure to:

• Dust

• Pollen

• Mold

• Pet fur or saliva

• Smoke

• Dust mites or ticks

• Indoor allergens

The body’s immune system response causes these symptoms when it detects an allergen as a harmful attack on the body. This response dilates your blood vessels and produces inflammatory chemicals such as histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins.

Inflammation can cause mild symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Runny nose

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Itchy skin

• Itchy eyes

• Sore throat

Certain people are more prone to hay fever, usually due to a compromised immune system, poor diet, or allergies.

Eating foods high in omega-6 fatty acids can also amplify the effects of hay fever, as omega-6 fats triggers inflammation. Maintaining a healthy diet can drastically help reduce and prevent hay fever.

Common household as well as outdoor allergens and irritants can significantly worsen your symptoms of hay fever. Indoor allergens and irritants include:

• Dust and dust mites

• Pet fur sheddings and skin

• Bedbugs

• Cockroaches

• Mold spores and fungus

• Food such as shellfish, crustaceans, eggs, fish, milk, mustard seeds and yellow mustard, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, and soy produts.

Outdoor allergens and irritants include:

• Tree pollen

• Grass pollen

• Weed pollen

• Ragweed and pigweed allergies

• Wood

• Smoke

• Insects

• Seasonal changes

There are many easy to implement ways to prevent hay fever, here actionable suggestion you can take:

• Eat a consistent, nutrition-rich, and healthy diet: Eating well can reduce symptoms of hay fever and the likelihood of contracting other allergic reactions.

  This strengthens your immune system and minimizes the harmful responses your body produces. Fish oil is high in omega-3 fats which are fantastic for reducing inflammation and promoting heart health.

• Clean your living arrangement: Keeping a clean home that’s free of allergens, pet fur, and dust on your furniture or bed sheets can make drastic improvement in reducing the severity and chances of triggering hay fever.

• Treating your symptoms: If you’re currently suffering from symptoms of hay fever you can prevent a number of reactions from by taking eye drops to prevent itchy eyes, allergy pills to prevent worsening symptoms, saline nasal rinses to prevent a runny nose, and an inhaler if your symptoms are severe or have asthma.

As hay fever specifically targets the sinus areas, nasal sprays are highly effective treatments. Helping reduce the severity of asthma (in addition to an inhaler) and quickly reduces the severity of rhinitis.

If symptoms worsen always seek help from a medical professional, they can provide specific treatments or medications that are most effective for you.

Hay fever is a mildly sever allergic reaction that is non-fatal in the majority of cases. It’s triggered through the exposure of pollutants and pollen, most commonly include tree pollen, weed pollen, smoke, dust, and dust mites.

Hey fever is very common amoung immunocompromised adults and children. Multiple research papers and studies have shown that improving your immune system strength leads to a reduce chance of getting hay fever.

Fish oil supplements as well as healthy cooking herbs and spices are nutrition-rich foods that can drastically improve your overall health, promote weight loss, and improve your immune system.

Following a good nutrition plan can help you avoid most common illnesses, diseases, and reduce the severity of certain allergic reactions.

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