It’s Hay Fever Season — Here’s How to Get Through It

 The season of hay fever has arrived. That means months of itchy eyes, continuous sneezing, and, of course, the familiar runny nose for about 8% of adults and 7% of youngsters in the United States.

With symptoms that may really ruin your summer, it's important to address seasonal allergies as soon as possible.

What exactly is hay fever?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 19 million adults in the United States suffer with hay fever (CDC).

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies, can be seasonal, perennial (year-round), or occupational in nature. Rhinitis is a condition in which the nose is irritated or inflamed.

Symptoms that are common include:

• Nasal congestion due to a runny nose
• coughing sneezing wet, red, or irritated eyes

What is the cause of hay fever?

The symptoms of hay fever usually appear soon after you are exposed to the allergen. Allergens can be found both indoors and outdoors, and they can be seasonal or persistent throughout the year.

• mould or fungus pollen
• Dust mites are attracted to pet fur or dander.

Among the other irritants are:

• cigarette smoke is a source of scent pollution.

Your immune system will be triggered by certain allergies, which will incorrectly identify the chemical as hazardous.

Your immune system responds by producing antibodies to defend your body. When these antibodies are activated, they cause your blood vessels to dilate and your body to release inflammatory substances such as histamine. Hay fever symptoms are caused by this response.

What you should do to treat or manage your symptoms

Fortunately, hay fever isn't too difficult to deal with. Antihistamines may even be able to prevent symptoms from occurring if taken before pollen is in the air.

However, if you're already having hay fever symptoms, you've probably missed the preventative stage.

As we approach summer and a higher pollen count, here are some of our best hay fever tips. You might want to try:

• essential oils with antihistamines
• Wearing a mask, eye drops, an air purifier, a cold compress, and a saline nose rinse

Antihistamines

Antihistamines that don't make you sleepy are widely accessible over-the-counter. When you first notice symptoms, see your pharmacist to determine which type will be most useful.

You can also contact your doctor if your symptoms are severe. They can assist you in researching a variety of prescription drugs as well as other treatments like immunotherapy or seasonal allergy shots.

Essential oils are a type of oil that is used

Do you want to take a long, hot bath? Eucalyptus essential oil has a lot of anecdotal evidence that it can help clear a blocked nose.

In addition, a 2009 study indicated that cineole, the major component of eucalyptus oil, can be an efficient and safe non-antibiotic treatment for sinusitis.

You might also use a diffuser to disseminate the oil.

Drops for the eyes

One of the most severe hay fever symptoms is itchy, dry, and bloodshot eyes. The quickest way to combat it is to invest in eye drops.

Antihistamines are one of the most powerful chemicals in allergy-relieving eye drops. Alaway provides 12-hour protection and is simple to use in the treatment of common allergic reactions such as hay fever.

Simply lean back in your chair and drop one or two drops into your eyes four times a day. Do you have contact lenses on? These eye drops can still be used (follow the directions on the packaging).

Purifier for the Air

Air purifiers operate by cleaning the air, which might contain pollutants, allergies, and toxins. According to a 2015 study, utilising one can help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies including hay fever.

You can also check for air purifiers and filters that have been approved by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America as asthma and allergy-friendly products. An allergist may also provide recommendations that are particular to your requirements and lifestyle.

Using a cold compress

A cold compress usually works effectively for dry, irritated eyes. It's also a quick and easy answer if you're short on time.

Submerge a clean washcloth in a bowl of ice and water to form a cold compress. Then, for 5 to 10 minutes, place it over your closed eyes.

A bag of frozen peas can also be used.

Nasal saline rinses

Is your nose clogged? A saline nasal rinse may be beneficial. A saline rinse helps to relieve hay fever symptoms by restoring moisture to the nasal passages and reducing irritation of the mucous membranes.

Simply put, a saline solution should be poured into one nostril. It cleanses out mucus and allergies as it passes through your nasal passage.

This can be done with a bulb syringe or a neti pot, both of which can be found at your local pharmacy.

Putting on a mask

Wearing a mask is now required in some places, which is great news for individuals who suffer from hay fever. Wearing a mask can help decrease your exposure to pollen and other allergens, potentially lowering your symptoms.

Simply said, while you're outside, make sure you're wearing your mask properly.

Last but not least

Hay fever can wreak havoc on our sinuses, but it's rarely life-threatening. However, you should consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Over-the counter drugs aren't helping your issues.
• Your hay fever is a year-round problem for you.
• Your signs and symptoms are quite serious.

If you want to know the particular reason of your allergy, you can ask your doctor or a specialist for an allergy test.