Hay Fever - because an Irish Summer isn’t bad enough.
What is Hay Fever?
Hay Fever, or to give it its fancy name, Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen, usually from trees or grass. People who are affected have an overblown reaction to pollen which causes problems with their nose and eyes. It affects up to 25% of the population, and causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny eyes, blocked nose and headaches. In short - it can be miserable.
As its name suggests, it is seasonal - lasting from March to October, depending on the weather and plant growth. Trees release pollen first, usually worse between March and May. Then the grass gets in on the act, from May to July/August. Finally, the weeds have their say, clogging up your sinuses and your garden for the end of the summer.
How do you stop it from happening?
The only way to stop hay fever from happening is to stay away from pollen. The Asthma Society Of Ireland has some great tips on doing this:
Stay indoors as much as possible on high pollen days (google Pollen Count Ireland for the daily updates)
Stay away from grassy areas, especially freshly cut places
Keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high
Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outside for an extended period
Avoid drying clothes outdoors
Minimise your contact with pets that have been outdoors and are likely to be carrying pollen
Consider a purifier with a built-in air quality sensor to remove allergens and pollutants from the air
Sometimes these measures just aren’t enough, but don’t despair - all is not lost, and help is at hand. There is an army of hay fever medications, all of which can help to reduce the misery inflicted by the dastardly pollen. The problem can be making a choice - like a kid in a sweet shop, it is hard to find just what you want.
Hay Fever Treatments
These treatments fall into the following broad categories: antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, decongestant sprays and decongestant tablets, and finally eye drops.
Antihistamines:
In allergies like hay fever, when you encounter pollen (an allergen), your body has a wild over reaction resulting in the release of chemicals which cause the reaction. One of these is histamine. Antihistamines prevent this chemical from causing symptoms. They are good at reducing runny noses, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, as well as itchy skin.
Pros - they are cheap, effective and safe. The one a day dose is also convenient. Safe for kids from 2 up.
Cons - They need to be taken regularly for maximum effect, and can cause drowsiness.
Examples: Zirtek, Cetrine, Piriton, Clarityn
Steroid Nasal Sprays:
Steroids have a similar way of working to antihistamines, but work on a different part of the chain reaction of allergies. Similar to antihistamines, there is a wide variety. They are more effective than antihistamines for nasal symptoms such as blocked nose and sneezing, and just as good for itchy or watery eyes.
Pros - really effective. Safe in long term use. Once a day versions are very convenient. Don’t cause drowsiness.
Cons - a bit more expensive. Some people don’t like using nose sprays. Can sometimes cause sore throats. Only for adults and older children.
Examples: Flixonase, Rhinex, Nasacort
Decongestant sprays:
These sprays work quickly to open up the sinuses, relieving blocked noses and headaches.
Pros - really, really quick. Cheap.
Cons - only for short term use, as your nose can become reliant on them after a while. Not safe in glaucoma.
Examples: Otrivine
Decongestant tablets:
These tablets are similar to the sprays, but work all around the body. This makes them slightly slower to work, but longer acting.
Pros - effective, long lasting
Cons - not safe if you have other medication or problems - ask your pharmacist first.
Examples: Sudafed, Sinutab
Eye drops
There are two kinds of drops available without a prescription - antihistamines and astringents (an old fashioned term!). Antihistamines work the same way as the tablets - they block histamine from causing problems like itchy or runny eyes. Astringents are used in shorter terms to help with itch or redness.
Pros - treat the problem directly, and rarely cause side effects.
Cons - some go out of date after four weeks, and have to be used more frequently.
Examples - Otrivine Antistin (antihistamine) Optrex (astringent)
So - what do you choose?
Choosing the right treatment depends on your symptoms and severity, as well as personal preferences and experiences. For instance, some people would prefer to take tablets rather than use a nasal spray. Others might feel tired when they use a certain medication, and decide to try a different one instead. The choice of allergy medication is sometimes also influenced by other medical conditions people have.
And don’t forget, we’re the trained professionals here, so come and talk to us first. It can be very hard to find the right treatment, and we are here to help.
References:
https://www.asthma.ie/about-asthma/living-well-with-asthma/lifestyle/asthma-hay-fever