Hay fever – Allergy What causes Hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergy to grass or hay pollens and affects 2 in 10 people in the United Kingdom. “Pollen” is the name given to the fine powder that is produced by plants, trees or flowers to fertilize other plants, trees or flowers of the same species. However the most common cause of Hay fever is Grass itself and not unsurprisingly triggers problems for sufferers about May to July (late spring to early summer). However, the term is often used when allergies are caused by other pollens such as tree pollens. Tree pollens on the other hand tend to affect people from March to May (early to late spring) each year. Other people may be allergic to weed pollens (including nettles and docks). Weeds tend to pollinate from early spring to early autumn.

Symptoms occur when cells on the lining of the nose and eyes release histamine and other chemicals when they come in contact with pollen. This causes inflammation in the nose (rhinitis) and eyes (conjunctivitis). Sometimes the sinuses and throat can also be affected.

What are the symptoms of Hay fever?

Hay fever symptoms vary from person to person. Some people only have mild symptoms that tend to come and go. Others can be severely affected and it can have a sometimes devastating affect on how they function in everyday life.

The most common symptoms are a runny and itchy nose, a blocked nose, sneezing, itchy and watery red eyes, and an itchy throat. In some cases only nose symptoms occur, and in some cases only eye symptoms occur. But also there maybe loss of smell, face pain, headaches and sweating. Sufferers of Asthma may find wheezing and breathlessness will get worse.

What are the treatments for Hay fever?

The common treatment options for hay fever are: antihistamine nose sprays, antihistamine tablets, steroid nose sprays, and eye drops. However it is advised that you avoid antihistamines if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Steroid nose drops are also used to clear nose symptoms and reducing inflammation.

Sometimes a short course of steroid tablets is prescribed. For instance, students sitting exams, who have severe symptoms which are not eased by other treatments. Steroids usually work well to reduce inflammation. However, you should not take steroid tablets for long periods to treat hay fever as serious side-effects may develop.

How can salt therapy help Hay Fever?

Salt therapy has been used in eastern European countries as a complimentary medicine and alternative therapy for lung and breathing problems and skin problems for many centuries. Now the benefits of this ancient natural therapy are becoming known in the western world and here in the United Kingdom. Its greatest asset is it is a natural remedy.

The great benefit of Salt Therapy is it is totally natural, safe and drug-free It can be used as a complementary treatment to prescribed medications. When Salt Therapy is used as a complimentary treatment, it can increase the effectiveness of prescribed medications, and reduce the need for prescribed medication.