Hay fever; what to do about it?

Hay fever is an annoying condition which is common in spring and summer. Many people suffer from it. Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a running nose,  an itchy palate and itchy eyes, and a headache. Something can be done about it, though. Your doctor can prescribe medicines and you could give it a try yourself with, for instance, homeopathy.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is actually a misnomer: it has got nothing to do with fever. It is an allergy that can cause complaints in spring and summer, but also all year round! An allergy for the pollen of grasses is usually the cause, but you may also be allergic to the house dust mite, fungi or pets. This annoying condition can occur at any age. Symptoms tend to start during the teenage years or slightly later, during one's twenties.

What symptoms do you get with hay fever?

If you are suffering from hay fever, you sneeze frequently. You have an itchy nose, palate and itchy eyes. You may also have a stuffed up or running nose. This means hay fever symptoms resemble a cold. Some people even get short of breath, do not sleep well, or have poor appetite. Children with hay fever tend to have concentration problems at school due to these symptoms.

What can you do about hay fever?

Fortunately, something can be done about this annoying condition. At the drugstore you can buy medicines containing antihistaminica. These are medicines that cause your body to produce less histamine, which is a substance released in allergic reactions. You  can also obtain medicines from your doctor, including tablets or a nasal spray. Such nasal sprays relieve nasal congestion and often contain antihistaminica or hormones that have an anti-infalammatory effect. Like all medicines, they can have side effects. Some of these medicines can make you drowsy. Nasal sprays usually cannot be used for prolonged periods of time, as they tend to worsen the nasal congestion after a while.

Homeopathy

There are also options for those who prefer homeopathy. In the homeopathic medicine chest, various medicines are found. If you go to a homeopath with your hay fever, he will study closely what symptoms you have exactly. If, for instance, it is violent sneezing fits you are suffering from, he will give you a medicine that fits that symptom best. This way, the homeopath bases his treatment on your individual symptoms, which can be very diverse. Homeopathic medicines are available at drugstores  or chemists.

Sources: www.todio.nl