Historically, seasonal allergic rhinitis was known by several different names. It became known as hay fever in the twentieth century because it mostly occurred during hay pitching time. However, it is not a fever, and it is not caused by hay.
Hay fever is becoming more common, as is the asthma associated with it. It is estimated that 20 percent of adults and 40 percent of children suffer from it. Many experts attribute this to tighter buildings and more air pollution.
What is Hay Fever?
Basically, pollen grains from certain species of trees, grasses or weeds are blown around in the air between spring and fall. The time of year depends on the species. If a person is allergic to a particular type of pollen and breathes it in, the immune system makes IgE antibodies. These antibodies activate mast cells, causing symptoms to develop in the upper respiratory tract.
The spores of certain species of molds (fungi) also cause hay fever. These are hardier than pollen grains and can cause allergic reactions year round, even indoors.
Plants that Cause Hay Fever
The most common cause of hay fever is ragweed, which is a yellow flowering weed seen mostly in late summer to fall. A single plant can send billions of pollen grains into the air.
Trees known to cause hay fever are white or silver birch, western red cedar, oak, maple, ash, sycamore, walnut, mulberry, and poplar.
Grass plants known to cause hay fever are orchard grass, timothy, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye grass, June grass, and quack grass.
Weeds known to cause hay fever are ragweed, artemisia species (mugworts, wormwoods, sagebrushes), stinging nettles, English plantain, and lamb’s quarters or goosefoot.
Molds known to cause hay fever are alternaria, cladosporium, aspergillus, and penicillium (mildew).
The Symptoms of Hay Fever
Hay fever symptoms are numerous and each individual may be affected differently than the next person. The common symptoms include:
- sore, red, swollen, watery eyes (sometimes allergic “shiners” – dark swollen circles under and around eyes)
- stuffy, itchy nose
- endless sneezing (this may include explosive sneezing of 10, 20 or more times in a row)
- clear discharge from nose (yellow or green color may indicate an infection in the sinuses)
- blocked sinuses
- earache or itching of the roof of mouth and/or ears
- hoarse voice or cough
- chronic mouth breathing can lead to snoring, sinusitis, and adenoid problems
- sinus headaches, particularly in the morning due to congestion buildup
Allergic rhinitis symptoms tend to worsen on dry, windy days when pollen counts are high, and also when air pollution is high.
Hay Fever Treatment
Before treatment can be considered, hay fever needs to be diagnosed. This usually requires a detailed history of symptoms and when they occur. The family history of allergies and asthma is also important. Seasonal symptoms that come and go at certain times of the year are a clue to hay fever.
A physical examination may be made of the mouth, throat, and nose to help confirm the diagnosis. The physician may also do skin and blood tests to pinpoint the allergen responsible for the symptoms. This is important for proper treatment.
Each individual will receive treatment tailored to suit her particular trigger, symptoms and severity.
There are different components to the treatment of hay fever:
- Avoiding the specific pollen is essential.
- Different medications can be used according to the medical expert’s advice. These may include antihistamines, corticosteriods, and decongestants.
- Immunotherapy may be suggested and generally works well with this type of allergy.
It is very important to treat hay fever because it can lead to more serious conditions such as asthma, infections and sleep disturbances.
If an individual suffers from hay fever, it is important that she understands the basics about this condition and seeks medical supervision for a diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Paul and Chiaramonte, Larry. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Allergies and Asthma: Simple Steps To Help Stop Attacks and Improve Your Child’s Health. New York, U.S.A.: Warner Books, Inc., 2003.
Engel, June. The Complete Allergy Book. Toronto, Canada: Key Porter Books Limited, 1997.
Hospital for Sick Children: The Complete Kid’s Allergy and Asthma Guide: The Parent’s Handbook for Children of All Ages. Ed. Dr. Milton Gold. Toronto, Canada: Robert Rose Inc., 2003.
Berger, William E. And Gordon, Debra L. Allergy and Asthma Relief. New York: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 2004.
For other articles about allergies see Allergic or Sensitivity Reactions to MSG, Rare and Serious Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis, and Tips for People Who Have an Insect Venom Allergy.
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