Common hay fever symptoms
including sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion but hay fever can also cause other symptoms that are less well
known. In some people they cause sleep problems,
poor concentration and even depression and asthma.
If you're suffering from unpleasant hay fever symptoms, it's time to take action. Here, Dr Mike Smith has put together his hay fever symptoms hit list, which includes the lesser known symptoms and how you can make sure they don't disturb your fun in the sun this year.
If you're suffering from unpleasant hay fever symptoms, it's time to take action. Here, Dr Mike Smith has put together his hay fever symptoms hit list, which includes the lesser known symptoms and how you can make sure they don't disturb your fun in the sun this year.
Sore throats
One of the most forgotten, yet painful, hay fever symptoms is
the sore throat. There are a few reasons for this problem developing.
Dr Mike Smith says: 'Firstly, as hay fever blocks the nose and sinus, sufferers are forced to breathe through their mouth constantly, which leaves the throat sore, red, dry and irritated.
'Secondly hay fever causes sinus drainage, or 'post nasal drip'. This is a build up of mucus at the back of the nose which then 'drips' down to the throat and can result in chronic pain and infection.
'Sore throats also can be made much worse by being dehydrated, especially on a hot day. It's a good idea to carry an antiseptic throat spray at all times to provide fast and effective relief when needed.
Dr Mike Smith says: 'Firstly, as hay fever blocks the nose and sinus, sufferers are forced to breathe through their mouth constantly, which leaves the throat sore, red, dry and irritated.
'Secondly hay fever causes sinus drainage, or 'post nasal drip'. This is a build up of mucus at the back of the nose which then 'drips' down to the throat and can result in chronic pain and infection.
'Sore throats also can be made much worse by being dehydrated, especially on a hot day. It's a good idea to carry an antiseptic throat spray at all times to provide fast and effective relief when needed.
Asthma
Hay fever is much more likely if there's a family history of allergies,
particularly asthma. Hay fever sufferers are more likely to develop asthma than those who
don't suffer from hay fever.
Allergens can trigger asthma symptoms: tight chest, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. If this happens to you, speak to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. They will give you medicines to help you control these symptoms.
Allergens can trigger asthma symptoms: tight chest, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. If this happens to you, speak to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. They will give you medicines to help you control these symptoms.
Headaches
Dr Smith says: 'There are many disorders of the ear, nose and throat
which can cause recurring headaches. A common one
sinus problems. Hay fever causes swelling in the nose which can result in
sinusitis.
'It also brings on headaches when the immune system overreacts to irritants, such as pollen. The best way to avoid or get rid of a sinus headache is to treat the underlying sinus inflammation.
'Using a humidifier during hay fever season could help, as could a saline nose spray. If your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor.'
'It also brings on headaches when the immune system overreacts to irritants, such as pollen. The best way to avoid or get rid of a sinus headache is to treat the underlying sinus inflammation.
'Using a humidifier during hay fever season could help, as could a saline nose spray. If your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor.'
Depression
Dr Smith says: 'Research indicates that if you have a mood disorder and
are also allergic to tree or ragweed pollen, your depression will
likely worsen during hay fever season.
'Research has found that 53 per cent of people diagnosed with either depression or bipolar disorder tested positive for ragweed or tree pollen allergies.
'If you suffer from low mood during hay fever season, treating the symptoms of hay fever could help, otherwise visit your GP for further advice.'
'Research has found that 53 per cent of people diagnosed with either depression or bipolar disorder tested positive for ragweed or tree pollen allergies.
'If you suffer from low mood during hay fever season, treating the symptoms of hay fever could help, otherwise visit your GP for further advice.'
Skin rash
Hay fever skin rashes can
be caused by pollen falling on the skin, by direct contact with leaves of
offending plants, or by droplets of moisture from plants which can often carry
pollen.
Dr Smith says: 'Activities in the garden during peak hay fever season such as mowing the lawn or trimming bushes can aggravate pollen in plants, particularly the common ragweed (one of the worst offenders for hay fever suffers), causing skin irritation.
'The best advice is to check the pollen count first thing in the morning and avoid doing gardening on days when it is likely to be high. Antihistamine products are also very effective for rashes'.
Dr Smith says: 'Activities in the garden during peak hay fever season such as mowing the lawn or trimming bushes can aggravate pollen in plants, particularly the common ragweed (one of the worst offenders for hay fever suffers), causing skin irritation.
'The best advice is to check the pollen count first thing in the morning and avoid doing gardening on days when it is likely to be high. Antihistamine products are also very effective for rashes'.
Sleep problems
Many sufferers report their hay fever symptoms being worse at
night, particularly in the summer months, which can cause sleep problems.
Dr Smith says: 'When the air cools after sunset, the pollen can slowly descend, creating an invisible pollen shower. A top tip is to wash your hair before bed and regularly change your pillow case - this will help to get rid of any pollen particles which could be the cause of your night time hay fever attacks.'
Dr Smith says: 'When the air cools after sunset, the pollen can slowly descend, creating an invisible pollen shower. A top tip is to wash your hair before bed and regularly change your pillow case - this will help to get rid of any pollen particles which could be the cause of your night time hay fever attacks.'
5 quick tips for handling hay fever
Don't let hay fever spoil your summer! Follow these 5 tips from Dr Mike
Smith to handle your hay fever symptoms:
·
Avoiding exposure to pollen is the
best way to reduce the allergic symptoms of hay fever, so stay indoors when you
can on 'high-pollen-count' days (when the count is between 50 - 150)
·
If you wear glasses, fine. If you're
not, it's best to wear wraparound sunglasses on high pollen days
·
Take a non-sedating anti-histamine to
dampen symptoms
·
Drink at least an extra 500ml of
water on pollen days to make sure that you remain hydrated
·
Take your holidays by the sea. The
land being warmer than the sea, attracts pollen-free air for the sufferer to
breath and with it some natural relief for the hay fever symptoms.
