What are allergies and what causes them ? The weather and atmospheric temperature make a huge difference to the levels of pollen and other irritants such as dust and diesel particulates in the air . The irritants stay suspended in the air for longer , entering the mouth or nose and landing on the delicate mucosal layer of the upper airways . Once these particles land on the membranes that line the airways , the allergen diffuses into it , setting off an allergic reaction .
Allergic rhinitis ( hay fever ) happens when your immune system identifies a substance in the air that is dangerous . It responds to this ‘ dangerous ’ substance , or allergen , by releasing histamines into your bloodstream . These histamines then trigger and cause your allergic reactions and symptoms .
Urban living To make matters worse , people who live in towns and cities where there are higher levels of traffic pollution , are at greater risk . The tiny particulates released by diesel fuel irritate the lining of the nasal passages and lungs , making them more sensitive . When an allergen such as pollen is also present , the airways are already primed to react , which could lead to a more severe allergic response .
Not only is this depressing news for the existing sufferers but extended hot and dry conditions could also trigger nasal allergies in those who haven ’ t previously suffered from hay fever .
How common is it ? Seasonal allergic rhino conjunctivitis , the technical term for hay fever , affects 20 % of the general population and up to 50 % of adolescents . The World Health Organization ( WHO ) divides hay fever into intermittent ( less than 4 days per week or less than 4 weeks in duration ) and persistent ( more than 4 days per week and over 4 weeks in duration ). Common symptoms ( itchy , blocked or runny nose , sneezing , itchy , sore , watery eyes and itchy throat ) occur when pollen levels exceed 30 grains per cubic metres of air . However , pollen levels may rise above 500 grains / m3 at the peak of the grass pollen season .
Symptoms of seasonal allergies Hay fever symptoms are usually quite easy to diagnose and vary from mild to severe . If your allergic symptoms only occur during seasonal changes , it ’ s a sign that you have seasonal allergies .
The most common symptoms include :
• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Itchy sinuses or ear canals
• Ear congestion
• Postnasal drip
Less common symptoms include :
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
If you suffer from asthma as well as hay fever , it is very likely that the seasonal allergy may trigger an asthma attack .
The life cycle of your allergies The hay fever season typically starts with trees pollinating from August until October . However , grass pollen then takes over with its greatest peak from November to March . Hay fever is an allergy to pollen , most commonly grass pollen . Whenever the pollen you ’ re allergic to is in plentiful supply , your symptoms could start .
Treating hay fever and allergies Most treatments for hay fever are available from your pharmacist without prescription , as well as from your GP .
They are all very safe and include : Antihistamine tablets , eye drops and steroids or sodium cromoglycate nose sprays . The nose sprays need to be used correctly and regularly to be effective .
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 3 | 2021
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