Allergy, hay fever

What is hay fever
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic condition caused by the immune system's response to allergens such as pollen, pollen, mold spores and dust mites.

What are the symptoms

• teary, red, swollen, itchy, burning eyes
• first a runny nose, later a stuffy nose
• tickly cough and a lot of sneezing
• sore or burning throat
• headache
• slight fever or a feverish feeling 
• fatigue

When do you suffer from hay fever?
Some people have complaints throughout the hay fever season. Others only occasionally, depending on the weather and where they are. Do you suffer from symptoms all year round? Then you are probably allergic to dust mites/mold or pets. Hay fever through trees starts in February-March. You often have the most complaints between March and the end of May. Hay fever due to grass starts in April-May. You often have the most complaints between May and August.
When temperatures rise earlier in the year, trees and grasses also bloom faster. Then there are more pollen in the air and the hay fever complaints also occur earlier in the year. The pollen spreads mainly on sunny, windy days. The hay fever can then become worse.

What to do against hay fever?
You can never completely avoid pollen, but the following tips can help reduce hay fever symptoms.

• Check the hay fever weather forecast before you go out and adjust your activities accordingly.
• Wear (sun)glasses when you go outside. This makes it less easy for the pollen to get into your eyes.
• Try not to rub your itchy eyes. The itching then becomes worse and you may get inflamed eyes. If it is itchy, place a damp washcloth on your eyes or rinse your eyes with clean water.
• Keep the (bedroom) windows and doors of your home closed as much as possible.
• Place insect screens on your windows and doors. These can partially stop the pollen.
• Dry your laundry indoors during the hay fever season, not outside.
• Apply a little Vaseline to the inside of your nose and around your eyes. This holds back the pollen a bit.
• Wash your face and wash and/or comb your hair before going to sleep to remove pollen.
• Keep your pets clean. Dogs and cats in particular easily collect pollen in their fur. Wash and/or brush them clean regularly.
• Avoid areas where there is a lot of pollen, such as forests and grasslands. Have someone else mow your own lawn.

What medicines are there for hay fever?
Hay fever can be quite annoying, but fortunately there are several medications that can provide relief. Here are some common medications used to treat hay fever:
1. Antihistamines: These medications block the action of histamine, a substance released during an allergic reaction. Examples are Prevalin.
2. Decongestants: These medications relieve nasal congestion by constricting the blood vessels in the nose. However, they should be used with caution due to possible side effects such as increased blood pressure. Example is oxymetazoline (Otrivin).
3. Eye drops: For people who suffer from itchy, red or watery eyes due to hay fever, antihistamine eye drops such as Prevalin or Allergo-comod can provide relief.