Help for Hay Fever
Right now, it's pollen season where we live. The outdoor furniture and kids' playground are covered by a dusty yellow coat that's back again the next day even after a thorough washing. And it seems like everyone is sneezing or coughing.
"Hay fever", medically known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, affects over 20% of the people living in the U.S. Most common in early spring, the symptoms of hay fever develop as a reaction to allergens (allergy-causing substances) in the air. While lots of different substances can be allergens, pollen is the biggest culprit in early spring.
Pollen consists of the minuscule, male cells of flowering plants. Pollen from garden flowers usually doesn't cause allergies, since this type of pollen is large and waxy and most often carried by insects. It's the small, light, dry pollens produced by tress, grasses, and weeds that disseminate with the wind and lead to allergic symptoms.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) Web site (http://www.aaaai.org/) has some useful tips for reducing symptoms in those who suffer from seasonal allergies. While some of them are obvious common-sense measures, they still bear repeating:
Related Topics: What's Behind Most Allergies?, Video: Allergy Triggers & Treatments
Technorati Tags: hayfever, allergies, pollen
"Hay fever", medically known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, affects over 20% of the people living in the U.S. Most common in early spring, the symptoms of hay fever develop as a reaction to allergens (allergy-causing substances) in the air. While lots of different substances can be allergens, pollen is the biggest culprit in early spring.
Pollen consists of the minuscule, male cells of flowering plants. Pollen from garden flowers usually doesn't cause allergies, since this type of pollen is large and waxy and most often carried by insects. It's the small, light, dry pollens produced by tress, grasses, and weeds that disseminate with the wind and lead to allergic symptoms.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) Web site (http://www.aaaai.org/) has some useful tips for reducing symptoms in those who suffer from seasonal allergies. While some of them are obvious common-sense measures, they still bear repeating:
- Washing sheets weekly in hot water
- Always bathing and washing hair before bedtime (pollen can collect on skin and hair throughout the day)
- Not hanging clothes outside to dry where they can trap pollens
- Wearing a filter mask when mowing or working outdoors
- Avoiding peak times for pollen exposure (hot, dry, windy days, usually between 10 am and 4 pm)
- Keeping windows and car windows closed
- Performing a thorough spring cleaning of your home, including replacing heating and A/C filters and cleaning ducts and vents
The AAAAI also recommends taking any allergy medications at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. If you're plagued by severe symptoms, you can visit the AAAAI Web site for a referral to an allergist in your area. The site also has updated information about pollen counts in specific geographic areas.
Related Topics: What's Behind Most Allergies?, Video: Allergy Triggers & Treatments
Technorati Tags: hayfever, allergies, pollen
2 Comments:
Nice article about hay fever ! It's good to avoid getting hay fever from out site. But if we could relief it from inside out , that's the best. From our experience, taking correct natural remedies worked perfectly without any side-effects.
This is very helpful but unrealistic to keep children inside from 10 am to 4 pm, especially when its hot out side. Eye drops are my saviour when it comes to hayfever. I would actually die with out them.
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