Spring and summer are on their way, and many of us can’t wait for the frigid cold to pass so we can bask in the warmth of the sun. Unfortunately, others may be dreading this particular time of the year because of the word “Hay fever.”
This condition affects about 30% of people globally and costs them $3.4 billion yearly to treat. Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis is an allergic response to allergens such as pollen. It can make the sunny seasons of spring and summer unbearable because it seems like everything outside sets you off.
The teary itchy eyes and constant sneezing make things even worse and don’t seem to subside even when you shut yourself in the house like a hermit. That is why in this article, we’ll offer all you need to know about kicking your hay fever. Let’s get started.
What Causes Hay Fever
As previously discussed, hay fever occurs when your body reacts to an allergen that has made its way into your system. This reaction happens because your body automatically attacks the allergen, thinking it’s harmful. Therefore, your immune system releases histamine, which is a natural chemical used by the body in the defense against allergens. Histamine is what brings about hayfever. The most common allergen is tree pollen, while other allergens include dust mites, mold, cat saliva, grass pollen, and animal dander (old skin).
Symptoms of Hayfever
There are quite many hay fever symptoms. People typically experience more than one of these when they come into contact with an allergen; however, some people may rarely experience symptoms. Unfortunately, in some severe cases, people would experience symptoms throughout the year. Some common symptoms of hayfever include a runny nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, coughing, a stuffy nose, frequent headaches, excessive fatigue, and hives.
Tips to Manage Hay fever
- Take your hay fever medication.
All the above can help curb hay fever but let’s face it; you may still get it. When this happens, don’t be perturbed. Visit your doctor for a prescription of antihistamine or any other effective hay medicines to manage your symptoms. If you are a sufferer of Hay Fever it’s always wise to buy Fexofenadine to keep for when you may experience an unexpected flare up of your allergies.
Other remedies you can utilize to help curb the symptoms of hay fever include decongestants, eye drops and nasal sprays, immunotherapy, and even some home remedies such as air filters. If you have kids, then antihistamine tablets or syrups may be the better option for them.
However, if you are pregnant, then nasal spray or eye drops may be the better option. At the end of the day, the best method is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist so that they provide you with the most suitable treatment to kick hay fever away.
- Up your House chore game
During hay fever season, your cleaning game has got to be on Level 100; otherwise, you may still experience some hay fever symptoms even at home. What do we mean by this? We understand that you cannot be holed up in the house like a hermit and therefore, may have to step out once in a while.
Even if those annoying allergens don’t get into your nose, they may get on your clothing. Therefore, when you get home, ensure that you put your clothes in the washing machine to blast them all away. Remember not to dry them outside, or your hard wash would be in vain. Additionally, you would have to vacuum the house regularly and wipe down furniture with a damp cloth to eliminate loose pollen around the home.
- Pet Hygiene and Grooming
When you are done cleaning your clothes and house, let’s move on to the pets. You would be surprised to know they are also very efficient pollen carriers. Anytime they step outside to go on an adventure among the vegetation, they automatically pick-up pollen in their fur.
They then track it back into the house, jump into your laps for a loving pat on the head and unknowingly transfer the allergens to you. Sucks right? To avoid this from happening, give your pup or feline a bath anytime they sneak outside. They may not like it, nor will you, but it is better than sneezing, having headaches, and watery eyes even with all the doors and windows closed.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
One of the easiest ways hay fever allergens such as pollen enters homes is through open ventilation. Therefore, ensure that the doors and windows are closed to prevent allergens from sneaking through the cracks. Staying indoors may be uncomfortable and boring, but these are some sacrifices you would have to make so your eyes don’t itch and you don’t sneeze incessantly.
If your friends want to visit, they have to do so virtually or ensure they don’t have pollen on them. Unfortunately, we understand staying indoors without open ventilation may make your home very warm. Still, you can turn on the fans at home, get yourself a cool drink from the fridge and Netflix and chill till the threat of allergens diminishes. Sounds like a plan, right?