The World Allergy Organisation estimates that more than 400 million individuals across the world have allergic rhinitis and hay fever allergy symptoms, and many of these individuals have the peak of the hay fever symptoms in summer. In India itself, research indicates that 20 to 30% of the population has some sort of allergy, and 10 to 15% of children have allergic rhinitis./hay fever allergies. That comes to millions of individuals preparing to fight each summer not with heat, but with hay fever, histamine-related issues.
We must not neglect the fact that knowledge is power, right? So here is what you need to know about identifying hay fever symptoms and stopping it in its tracks before it steals your summer leisure and enjoyment.
Common Symptoms of Summer Hay Fever
Now here is the tricky part, because hay fever exhibits the same symptoms as the common cold, only it does not disappear in a week like your ordinary viral guest, and it is not communicable either. Hay fever may be the problem if you spend more days than not experiencing any of the following:
● Sneezing attacks (as in, 12 sneezes in 30 seconds)
● Runny or stuffy nose (with clear liquid, not that thick stuff you have when you are congested with a cold)
● Red, itchy, and watery eyes
● Itchy throat, mouth or ears
● Tiredness or sleep problems (allergies do not know the time to sleep)
● Postnasal drip and sinus pressure
The thing is, hay fever symptoms do not necessarily come hard and fast. It is sometimes like that background application that is sucking out your smartphone’s energy gradually and continuously. What is the cause of Summer Hay Fever? Airborne pollen of grasses and weeds normally causes summer hay fever and hay fever allergies, such as:
● Bermuda grass
● Timothy grass
● Ragweed
● Mugwort
● Amaranth
Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress grass) is a significant allergenic plant in India, which pollinates in the monsoon and summer seasons. These microscopic things hitch a ride on the wind and blast their way into your nose as though they were entitled to do so. And even though pollen is the root cause of summer allergies and hay fever, we also can not forget about other irritants such as:
● Dust mites
● Mold spores (particularly in wet places)
● Air pollution (which exacerbates hay fever allergy symptoms)
Diagnosis of Summer Hay Fever
When you regularly fight the so-called summer colds, or cannot pass near a garden without crying, it is time to summon a doctor or consult a specialist from the best medicine hospital in Delhi. Diagnosis is usually performed through:
● Skin prick tests: This involves the introduction of small doses of allergens into your skin to determine which ones cause your hay fever immune system to act out a tantrum.
● Blood tests (IgE): This test determines how your body responds to certain allergens. The goal of these tests is to identify precisely what triggers your hay fever allergies, to figure out how to avoid or deal with it adequately.
Treatment of Summer Hay Fever
And now the best news is that the relief from hay fever symptoms is completely feasible, and, what is more, with a proper attitude, it is manageable too.
● Antihistamines (such as cetirizine, loratadine): Help to bid adieu to sneezing and itchy eyes.
● Nasal corticosteroids (such as fluticasone): Decrease inflammation at its core.
● Decongestants (short-term use only): Decongestants relieve stuffiness, but may lead to rebound congestion when used excessively.
● Eye drops: Can be very useful when red and watery eyes are your primary hay fever symptoms.
No, you cannot escape the win; however, you can diminish the accessibility of the pollen to you by following simple methods such as.
● Close windows when pollen counts are high (early morning and late afternoon).
● Install HEPA filters in the house.
● Change clothes and have a shower after being outside.
● Hang clothes inside to dry- hay fever allergens are crazy about new laundry hanging outside.
● Use sunglasses to cover your eyes against flying allergens.
When meds fail or you despise being on medication, hay fever immunotherapy may become your new best friend (long term). It is a way of exposing your body to a little bit of hay fever allergy symptoms over a period of time so that your immune system stops overreacting. It requires commitment (typically 3-5 years), but can actually alter your body's response to hay fever allergens, not merely cover up hay fever symptoms.
● Watch the pollen count through dedicated smartphone apps.
● You can have travel plans to the hills, as the pollen levels tend to be low in mountain destinations or beach destinations.
● Drink lots of fluids, as water will assist in thinning the mucus, and you will feel less stuffy.
● Reduce alcohol intake, beer and wine have histamines, which may increase hay fever allergy symptoms.
When OTC medications have failed to help you feel like anything but a sneezy and irritable creature, or when your hay fever symptoms are interfering with your life (can not sleep, can not concentrate, can not breathe), it is time to book an appointment with a specialist from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Untreated hay fever allergies may cause sinus infection, ear problems or even aggravate asthma. So hay fever may be a seasonal visitor, but it does not need to be an overstaying guest. With a little knowledge, medication and some minor lifestyle modifications, you can repossess your summer out of the jaws of hay fever symptoms and sniffles. And then feel free to plan that hike, have a picnic in the sun, and drink some lemonade.
