CHECK-UP WHY ARE some people not bothered by hay fever while I suffer badly every year?
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. Also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, it is caused by an allergy to pollen in grasses, hay and trees. The symptoms associated with the condition vary but include a runny and itchy nose, sneezing and itching of the eyes making them red and watery. Some sufferers complain of a sore throat while others experience loss of smell, facial pain, sweating and headache. Asthma sufferers often find that hay fever triggers their asthma.
Symptoms associated with hay fever are due to the immune system reacting to pollen. The cells in the lining of the nose and eyes release chemicals such as histamine when in contact with pollen. This in turn causes rhinitis - an inflammation of the nasal passages - and conjunctivitis - inflammation of the eyes.
I can't avoid grass and trees altogether as I live in a rural area, but is there anything else I can do to reduce my exposure to pollen?
Steps to reduce exposure to pollen include avoiding grass, walking in grassy areas and camping. Where possible stay indoors during periods of high pollen count keeping windows and doors shut. Don't cut the grass and if it is being cut locally stay indoors. While outdoors wear wrap-around sunglasses and place some petroleum jelly around the edges of the nostril to trap pollen as it enters the nasal passages. When you return shower and wash your hair to remove any pollen you may have been in contact with. While driving, keep the windows shut and consider a pollen filter to reduce the amount of pollen getting into the car.
Apart from a decongestant nasal spray, which I get in the chemist, is there any other treatment that can help?
There is a variety of sprays and drops available to ease the symptoms of hay fever. Antihistamines are available in nasal spray and eye drop form. Tablet or liquid forms are good at relieving most symptoms associated with hay fever, but may do little to relieve a blocked nose. An antihistamine preparation may cause drowsiness so always check with your doctor or chemist before taking it. Steroid sprays can also help some sufferers. Other nasal sprays which contain sodium cromoglycate help by stopping the release of histamine from certain cells. It is not advised that you use decongestant sprays for more than a couple of days as they can cause a rebound effect leading to more severe congestion of the nose. As you suffer badly, you should contact your doctor so that he can prescribe more effective treatment to control your symptoms.