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What Is Hay Fever?
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Pollinosis or Hay Fever (as
it is commonly known) is an allergic condition that
occurs in the spring, summer and autumn seasons. This
is the time when trees, grasses and weeds produce
pollen. People who are allergic to pollen of certain
plants, mainly those depending upon the wind for
cross-fertilization, are affected by this. In these
people, contact with pollen releases histamine from
their body tissues, which irritates the small blood
vessels and mucous-secreting glands. (Histamine is a
compound that is found in nearly all tissues of the
mammalian body, as well as in those of other
vertebrates, invertebrates, micro-organisms and some
plants)
Pollinosis is better known by its common name hay
fever. The allergy to pollen usually runs in families
and a person may develop the allergy at any age. It
may be associated with other allergic disorders such
as eczema, asthma and sinusitis. |
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Symptoms Of Hay Fever
The symptoms of hay fever are very close to another
condition called perennial allergic rhinitis.
Recurrent bouts of sneezing, nasal congestion, runny
nose, itching eyes and runny, red eyes are some of the
symptoms of hay fever. There may be swelling and
itching of the nose as well. Some patients tend to
have a temporary loss of sense of smell. In some
others, their ears may be blocked. Emotional factors
play a great role in aggravating the condition of a
patient.
About one-third of the patients also develop seasonal
asthma. Some others develop sinusitis. Hay fever may
lead to other infections or the growth of polyps in
the mucous membrane.
Some common culprits
As mentioned earlier, hay fever is triggered by an
allergy to the pollen of certain plants, especially
those that depend upon the wind for
cross-fertilization. The most common variety is the
ragweed pollen. Ragweed is found in North America. The
pollen of Russian thistle is another cause of hay
fever. In Great Britain, a major cause identified is
the pollen of timothy grass. Sometimes, airborne fungi
or mold can also cause the allergy or increase the
seriousness of hay fever symptoms.
Hay Fever Remedies
Treatment begins with first testing the patient to
identify the pollen, fungus or mold that he is
allergic to. Very often, antihistamines are first
prescribed to give the patient quick relief.
Antihistamines are to be taken only under medical
prescription, since they can cause dangerous side
effects in some people. Other drugs are sometimes
prescribed to reduce swelling and running of the nose.
If the allergy is very acute, the patient is
hyposensitized. This is done by injecting pollen
extract into the patient's body at regular intervals,
gradually increasing the strength of the concentration
of the extract. The injections cause the body to form
antibodies that help fight the allergic reaction.
Prevention Of Hay Fever
One way to prevent hay fever is to avoid the irritant.
However, since most of the pollens are carried by
wind, this becomes difficult. In some areas in the
West, newspapers and news reports include a column
called daily pollen index. This is a figure based on
the number of ragweed pollen grains in one cubic yard
of air.
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