Everything You Must Know About Hay Fever

Posted on: 11 September 2017

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Hay fever is a specific type of allergic disordered. Hay fever is an intense immune response to pollen grains and other similar materials. Hay fever is medically known as allergic rhinitis and there are two types that can be experienced:

  1. Seasonal. This type of hay fever only occurs in certain seasons based on when certain plants pollinate.  
  2. Perennial. Unfortunately, perennial hay fever occurs year-round.

Which type of hay fever do you have? It depends on what you are allergic to. Those allergic to tree pollens will have hay fever in the spring, while those allergic to grass and weed pollens will have reactions throughout the summer. Those allergic to fungal spores may experience allergic reactions year-round.

What Is the Cause of Hay Fever?

Anyone suffering from hay fever is experiencing an immune reaction to harmless pollen. Instead of letting the pollen pass through, your body views the particles as dangerous substances that will harm you. As such, your body overreacts and floods your blood with chemicals that inflame your nasal lining and sinuses. Typically, frequent sneezing also occurs.

Each of the symptoms of hay fever are intended to protect your body by expelling the pollen, or making it so the pollen cannot enter the body.

Why do some people have hay fever and others don't? It's considered a trait determined by your genetics. Patients with hay fever typically have siblings or relatives that also suffer from hay fever or other severe allergies.

The Symptoms of Hay Fever

There are several warning signs that you may be suffering from hay fever, such as:

  • A runny nose
  • Exaggerated and often violent sneezing
  • Itchy throat
  • Ear pressure
  • Watery eyes
  • General fatigue

For some patients with hay fever, the symptoms are no more than a mild inconvenience. For others, they are life-disrupting and warrant medical intervention.

Is It Time to Call a Doctor?

Over-the-counter medications are a great way to combat hay fever. However, if they cease to combat the symptoms that you're experiencing, it's time to call the doctor. You should also call your doctor if the symptoms become so severe that you cannot continue living a normal life.

Additionally, it's possible that your congested sinus cavities become infected. Symptoms of an infected sinus cavity are facial pain, fever, bad breath and tooth pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. They will prescribe the right medication to alleviate your symptoms.