Hay fever, also called allergic
rhinitis, causes cold-like signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchyeyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever
isn't caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor
or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or tiny flecks of skin and
saliva shed by cats, dogs and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander).
Besides making you miserable, hay
fever can affect your performance at work or school and generally interfere
with your life. But you don't have to put up with annoying symptoms. You can
learn to avoid triggers and find the right treatment.
Hay fever signs and symptoms can include:
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic
shiners)
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
Seasonal factors
Your hay fever signs and symptoms
may start or worsen at a particular time of year. Triggers include:
- Tree pollen, which is common in early spring.
- Grass pollen, which is common in late spring and
summer.
- Ragweed pollen, which is common in fall.
- Dust mites, cockroaches and dander from pets can
occur year-round (perennial). Symptoms to indoor allergens might worsen in
winter, when houses are closed up.
- Spoors from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds are
considered both seasonal and perennial.
Causes
When you have hay fever, your immune system identifies a harmless
airborne substance as harmful. Your immune system then produces antibodies to
this harmless substance. The next time you come in contact with the substance,
these antibodies signal your immune system to release chemicals such as
histamine into your bloodstream, which cause a reaction that leads to the signs
and symptoms of hay fever.
Remedies for Hay Fever
1. Local Honey
Honey can effectively treat hay fever due to the presence of bee pollen.
It can also desensitize your body’s immune system to other pollens. Plus, it
has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that give relief from
various symptoms of hay fever. For best results, use locally harvested honey
for protection against pollens in your area.
Consume one or more teaspoons of raw, unprocessed local honey three or
four times a day to help relieve symptoms. In fact, eating raw local honey
daily before hay fever season can even prevent the condition.
You can also mix one tablespoon of honey and three or four drops of fresh
lemon juice in a glass of warm water and drink it immediately. Do this twice
daily to help strengthen your immune system and fight off symptoms quickly.