Hay fever

When symptoms occur all year round, this is known as perennial allergic rhinitis

Perennial allergic rhinitis is usually caused by a reaction to allergens such as house dust mites, moulds, animal dander or occupational allergens.

Some of the immediate signs and symptoms of hay fever include:

itchy watery eyes. In some cases the symptoms of hay fever can be so severe that a person can’t sleep or concentrate
may feel tired or unwell

Your nose acts as a filter

The tiny hairs and mucus that line the nasal passages trap dust, pollens and other microscopic particles. A person with hay fever is to some of the particles that get trapped in the nose, such as pollen. treats a harmless substance as if it is dangerous, and launches an ‘attack’.

The nasal passages become inflamed and more mucus is produced. Identifying the allergen/s causing the symptoms is an important part of managing hay fever. In some cases the cause may be obvious but in others your doctor will need to consider your medical history together with the results of (skin prick tests or allergen specific IgE blood tests), which may require referral to a specialist.

The American Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy recommends the use of only.

may help relieve the symptoms of hay fever

Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice. You may be advised to try: Antihistamine tablets, syrups, intranasal sprays and eye drops (non-sedating) – help to reduce symptoms (sneezing, itchy and irritating eyes). They are not as effective in controlling severe nasal blockage and dribble.

The advantage of antihistamines is their flexibility, as you can take them when you have problems, and avoid them when you are well. Antihistamine eye drops can be helpful in controlling watery eyes due to allergies. Intranasal corticosteroid sprays (INCS) – these nasal sprays are used for people with moderate to severe symptoms and are one of the most effective treatments for allergic rhinitis.

They need to be used regularly as directed to be effective. Different brands of INCS vary in strength and effectiveness, so it is important to read the labels and check details with your pharmacist or doctor. Combined intranasal corticosteroid and antihistamine sprays – these sprays are also useful for people with moderate to severe symptoms and offer the combined advantages of both medications.

Decongestant nasal sprays – useful for quick relief, but should not be used for more than a few days as long-term use can damage the lining of the nose. Certain people should not use decongestants (such as those who are ). Discuss with your GP or pharmacist before using these medications.

, also known as desensitisation – some people may benefit from AIT, which exposes a person to gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to improve tolerance and reduce symptoms.

This therapy may reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms

AIT should only be conducted under supervision of a clinical immunology/allergy specialist.

To prevent or limit symptoms of hay fever, minimise exposure to known allergens. House dust mite minimisation: Wash sheets, pillow cases and other bedding weekly in hot water. Cover mattress, pillow and quilt with dust mite resistant covers.

Remove sheepskins or woollen underlays from the bed and bedroom.

Remove soft toys from the bedroom

Pet dander minimisation: Ensure pets are kept out of bedrooms.

Keep pets outside

Mould minimisation: Remove visible mould by cleaning with bleach or other mould reduction cleaners. Ensure adequate natural ventilation, including extractor fans. Avoid working with garden compost, mulch or mowing lawns.

Remain indoors (when possible) during pollen seasons, particularly on windy days or after thunderstorms. Avoid activities known to cause exposure to pollen, such as mowing grass. Shower after outdoor activities where exposure to pollen is high.

Use re-circulated air in the car when pollen levels are high. Wear sunglasses (reduces amount of pollen that gets into eyes). Dry bedding and clothing inside or in a tumble dryer. are available on the American Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website.

, or download the app for information about the pollen monitoring in Michigan. Grass pollen season brings a seasonal increase in asthma and hay fever. It also brings the chance of People with hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with hay fever, and people with current, past or undiagnosed asthma are at risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life-threatening. Having good control of your hay fever can help reduce your risk of thunderstorm asthma. Watch our video about hay fever and thunderstorm asthma.

Hay fever is the common name for allergic rhinitis pollens (grasses, weeds or trees), dust mite , moulds Symptoms of hay fever runny nose itchy nose sneezing Hay fever is an allergic reaction allergic An allergic reaction means the immune system Managing your hay fever allergy tests evidenced based allergy tests Some medications pregnant , or have high blood pressure Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) Suggestions to reduce symptoms Pollen minimisation More allergen minimisation strategies Staying informed about pollen counts and forecasts Visit the Grand Rapids Pollen Count and Forecast website Hay fever and thunderstorm asthma thunderstorm asthma View transcript Where to get help In an emergency, always call 911 Your GP (doctor) Pharmacist NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0400 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) American Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Asthma United States 1800 278 462 Allergy & Anaphylaxis United States .

Key Points

When symptoms occur all year round, this is known as perennial allergic rhinitis
Some of the immediate signs and symptoms of hay fever include: itchy, watery eyes
Identifying the allergen/s causing the symptoms is an important part of managing hay fever
may help relieve the symptoms of hay fever
This therapy may reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms