Managing Hay Fever

Almost 10 million people in the UK are estimated to experience hay fever – one of the most common allergy conditions worldwide. 

Defining Hay Fever:

Sometimes your body’s immune system might potentially mistakenly perceive exposure to an allergen as a harmful element that could hurt you. As a result, toy antibodies start to increase the production of inflammatory elements such as histamine while also sending a signal to your body to widen the blood vessels. Consequently, your immune system response leads to the following two types of allergic reactions:

 

• Seasonal – symptoms that are caused by the allergic sensitivity to pollen, grass and spores and are usually the most active at the start of autumn

• Perennial – symptoms that are usually triggered by dust particles, mould, pet hair and usually experienced throughout the whole year.

 

The Causes of Hay Fever:

Genetics

Your chance of developing allergic reactions to pollens and other allergic elements increase depending on whether you have others family members that have the same condition. Thankfully, other respiratory and skin conditions like eczema or asthma do not increase the risk of developing hay fever condition.

Allergens

Allergens are the most common elements that trigger hay fever. For example, it was forecasted that the amount of pollen generated will be increased significantly across North-West Europe this year due to climate change.  Furthermore, Covid-19 lockdowns forced many individuals to spend much more of their time at home. As a result, it reduced our resistance and immunity to allergies related to pollen or other triggers. In addition to pollen, the are other allergens that trigger hay fever like:

• Fungi
• Dust
• Perfume
• Pet Dander or fur
• Mould
• Cigarette smoke

What are the symptoms?

The usual symptoms of hay fever include:

• Constant coughing and/or sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Fatigue and headaches and caused by poor sleep quality resulting from nasal congestion
• Watery, itchy or red eyes
• Itchy throat, skin or mouth

What Are The Treatments

If it is too difficult to avoid or reduce exposure to allergens, there are many efficient hay fever treatments that are available at Pharmica to treat hay fever and its symptoms.

Antihistamine tablets

Antihistamine treatments are usually made out of ingredients that block any undesired effects of histamines, elements produced by your body to fight allergies. Consequently, antihistamine treatments are taken once a day to provide effective relief for up to 24 hours during allergic periods. Relevant reatments like Piriteze and Clarityn can provide much-needed relief. For example,  Fexofenadine works by blocking the spinal cord histamine receptors and is considered to be one of the most efficient hayfever treatments without drowsiness side effects. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that is linked to boosting the immune system as well as also assisting with treating hay fever due to its natural antihistamine nature. Vitamin C can be found in sources like oranges, broccoli and strawberries but additional Vitamin C supplements can be used as an easy and convenient way to ensure  that your intake is sufficient

Nasal sprays

Nasal sprays include active elements that fall under the corticosteroid family of medicines. They work by reducing the inflammation inside the nose, thus helping to reduce the common symptoms like a running nose, itching and sneezing as well as helping you to breathe easier. These include treatments like Clarinaze or Nasonex that are considered to be the most popular corticosteroids thanks to their fast-acting effectiveness and accessibility.