What is Hay Fever? 

• Hay fever is swelling of the lining inside of the nose.
• Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis.
• The swelling is caused by breathing in something to which you are allergic (an allergen).

Some common allergens include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds
• Mold
• Animals
• House dust mites
• Other triggers such as air pollution, dry air, strong odors and smoke can also make hay fever worse.

 

What Are The Signs of Hay Fever?

• A stuffy or runny nose and cough lasting longer than two weeks
• Sneezing more often than normal
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Watery, red, puffy eyes
• Snoring
• Mouth breathing

 

When Does Hay Fever Occur?

• Some people have symptoms of hay fever year round.
• Other people have hay fever that only occurs in certain seasons or after exposure to triggers such as pets.

 

How Do You Treat Hay Fever?

• An important part of treating hay fever is to first identify your allergies.
• Remove, avoid or reduce exposure to your allergy triggers and irritants, like tobacco smoke.
• Keep doors and windows shut during pollen season and limit outdoor activity during this time.
• Antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays are the most commonly used medicines to treat hay fever.
• Talk to your doctor about the right medicine for you.
• Decongestant nasal sprays will help, but should be used for no more than 3-5 days. Longer use can increase nasal symptoms.
• Allergy shots are sometimes used for people with severe hay fever and seasonal problems to grass, tree or weed pollen.
• Allergy shots are given to make a person less sensitive to their allergens.
• Speak to your doctor to learn more about hay fever.

 

How Does Hay Fever Affect Asthma?

• The nose, windpipe and airways in the lungs make up the respiratory system.
• Hay fever affects the nose and asthma affects the lungs.
• The nose acts as a filter to the airways. The nose also warms up and adds moisture to the air before it enters the lungs.
• Anything that affects the nose can also affect the airways in the lungs.
• Many people who have hay fever also have asthma.
• Hay fever that is not treated can make asthma worse.

 

Asthma Allie Says:

"Treating hay fever can improve your asthma control!"

 

The Children's Allergy & Asthma Education Centre © 2013