Up to 20% of the population suffer from hay fever and it is the most common form of allergy. It is an allergic condition that the immune system triggers in the response to inhaling plant pollens and fungal spores. Studies have still to show why some individuals immune systems over respond to the inhalation of plant pollen and fungal spores. Studies have shown a rise in people suffering from hay fever in the cities compared to those living in the countryside, so there may be a link to pollution making the symptoms of hay fever worst. The allergic reaction to inhaled pollen and spores in hay fever causes symptoms of sneezing, watery eyes (itchy conjunctivitis), runny nose, stuffiness, headache and irritability. These reactions are caused by the inflammation of the mucous membranes which causes the nose, eyes, roof of the mouth and throat to itch when the pollen and spores become in contact with them. This inflammation and swelling is caused by the release of the powerful chemical histamine. The hay fever symptoms vary from month to month depending on which pollen the individual is allergic to. The hay fever season can last from February to October. Hay fever tends to be heredity and can occur any time between the ages of 6 to 20 with the late teenage years to 20 normally being the worst; the symptoms should have improved once pasted middle age. To combat hay fever, include plenty of fruit, vegetables and seeds in the diet. Avoid alcohol and because hay fever has been linked to food allergies experiment with the exclusion of dairy products and wheat from the diet. Dairy products are well known to produce extra mucus so it may well help to cut down on these during the pollen season. Try to avoid exposure to pollen and traffic fumes, cigarette smoke, paint and solvent fumes, keep windows and doors shut, check pollen forecasts before you go out, when going out were sunglasses and dab a small amount of petroleum jelly in the nostrils and try to avoid pets. Start to use antihistamine products early in the pollen season. Some individual have found that acupuncture is beneficial. The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Hay Fever. B group vitamins (spring time) Calcium Garlic Tablets L-methionine Multivitamin and multiminerals Pantothenic acid Quercetin Vitamin C Vitamin E |
