Hayfever

What is hayfever?

Hayfever is an allergy to pollen and mould spores. An allergy is a reaction of your body and its immune system to substances (called allergens) that are usually harmless. Your body reacts to pollen as if it were an invading virus or poison, causing irritation and inflammation to the lining of your nose, eyes and lungs.

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Who gets hayfever?

Hayfever is one of the most common allergies in Britain; 2 to 3 million people suffer each summer. Hayfever sometimes runs in families. People who suffer from asthma and eczema are more likely to have hayfever. Teenagers and young adults are affected most - but symptoms usually ease with age.

What are the symptoms of hayfever?

Symptoms vary and last from days to weeks. The usual symptoms are frequent sneezing, runny or blocked nose, red, itchy and watery eyes, itchy roof of mouth, loss of smell and taste, headache, dry and sore throat, dry tongue and sleep disturbance. You may also get asthma sym ptoms: wheezi ng, chest tightness and a cough. Work, leisure and study can be upset due to difficulty in concentrating and feelings of irritation, listlessness or, in severe cases, depression.

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When and why do people get hayfever?

Pollen from trees, plants and grasses is usually invisible to the naked eye. Different plants produce pollen at different times of the year, so the type of pollen you are allergic to affects when you will suffer from hayfever. Trees usually produce pollen in spring, and flowers and grasses in summer. If mould spores cause your hayfever then autumn is the worst time. Regional variations in the type of pollen and local conditions, such as weather, will affect the pollen counts.
Pollen in the air is breathed in through your nose and mouth and gets in your eyes. Your immune system reacts to the pollen and causes your nose, eyes (and sometimes your lungs) to become swollen and inflamed, causing hayfever symptoms.

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What treatment is available?

You may have tried hayfever treatments from your chemist but there are also several treatments that your doctor can prescribe.
• Treatments to reduce the symptoms of hayfever include antihistamine tablets and decongestant nasal sprays. Modern antihistamine tablets only need to be taken once a day and are generally safe and effective.
• Decongestant nasal sprays should be used for short periods only, eg a week, as long-term use can make nasal problems worse.
• Preventive treatments to stop hayfever occurring include nasal sprays and eye drops. These need to be used regularly every day throughout the pollen season.
• If you have very severe hayfever, steroids may be necessary. These will usually be given as a short course of tablets during severe attacks.

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Are there side-effects?

Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems or are taking any medication before you start treatment. Older antihistamines may make you sleepy, so it is important that you tell your doctor if you drive or operate machinery. Your doctor may prescribe a modern non-sedative antihistamine instead.
Side-effects of antihistamines are uncommon but can include headache, dry mouth, skin rash and upset stomach.

Help yourself

• Check for high pollen forecasts on the television, the radio and in the newspapers.
• Avoid being outside in the summer between 5pm and 7pm and keep your windows and doors closed during these times. Sleep with your windows closed.
• Avoid damp areas where mould may be present. ?
• Use air filters or ionisers at home and at work. If possible use a car with a pollen filter in the ventilation system (keep the car windows closed).
• Avoid areas of long grass and avoid mowing lawns and raking leaves; if necessary, wear a mask and wrap-around sunglasses.
• Choose holidays near the sea or in the mountains where pollen counts are low.

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Further information

This factsheet supported by Hoechst

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