What is Hay fever?
Hay fever is also known as allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies. One should not get mislead with its name, hay is hardly an allergen and does not cause any allergy, and fever is not the symptom of the disease. Hay fever usually present with symptoms like that of a common cold, like runny nose, congestion, itching in the eyes, sneezing and sinus pressure. Though the symptoms resemble common flu, they are not caused by any virus, but due to allergic reaction to certain outdoor or indoor allergens, like dust, pollens, dust mites, tiny flecks of skin, pet dander and saliva of pets like cats, dogs and other animals.
Hay fever is caused due to overreaction of body’s immune system towards any allergen, which may not cause any symptoms in others. Hay fever can be of two types-
- Seasonal- It mostly happens in spring, summer, and early fall. They are usually caused due to sensitivity to pollens and airborne mood spores.
- Perennial- People with this type of allergy may have symptoms all the year round, and are usually caused by dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, or mold.
Causes
Symptoms of hay fever start as soon as the person is exposed to the substance(allergen) to which he is allergic. The cause may be seasonal or persistent through out the year, like in perennial hay fever. Thr common allergens to which people are often sensitive to, are the pollens, mold or fungi, pet fur or dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and perfume.
The allergens trigger the immune system of the body, which identifies these allergens as some foreign substances and overreacts by forming antibodies against it. These antibodies in turn cause the blood vessels to dilate and produce inflammatory chemicals, like histamine. This results in symptoms of hay fever.
People who have family history of hay fever are more likely to develop them.
Sign & Symptoms
The sign and symptoms of hay fever may include-
- Running nose or nasal congestion
- Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, like watery, itchy, red eyes
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itching sensation in the nose, roof of the mouth or throat
- Swelling and bluish discolouration of the skin, under the eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
Risk factors
- Having other allergies or respiratory medical conditions, like asthma
- Having eczema
- Genetic predisposition, like having family members suffering with hay fever
- Occupational environment, where person is constantly exposed to allergens, like pet dander or dust mites
- Risk increases in the mother smokes during first year of her baby’s life
Complications
Hay fever may be associated with-
- Reduced quality of life due to interference in enjoyment of daily activities and reduced productivity at work
- Poor sleep quality
- Worsening of sign and symptoms of asthma
- Increased susceptibility for developing sinusitis
- Hay fever may cause otitis media in children
Diagnosis
Doctor will take a detailed medical history of the patient and perform some physical tests, like skin prick test and allergy blood test to diagnose the condition.
Hay Fever Homeopathic Treatment
Homeopathy is the best choice of treatment for the cases of hay fever. Homeopathic medicines can not only help in managing the presenting symptoms of the hay fever, but also reduce body’s susceptibility towards allergens. Homeopathic medicines can boost up the immunity of a person and increase resistance towards allergens.
The approach of treatment in most of the allergic diseases, like hay fever is usually individual. The medicines are chosen personally for the patient, keeping in view his peculiar individual symptoms. The individualistic approach of medicines include all the personal aspects of the patient, like his temperament, his likes and dislikes, his hobbies, his disposition, mental and emotional peculiarities, etc with the physical symptoms and characteristics. Medicines chosen on this basis can arouse the inner strength of the person and thus boost up his immunity.
Dr. Ashok Choudhary is a renowned homeopathic doctor in Jaipur, who specialises in treatment of such allergic diseases.
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