Introduction
In Japan, when spring comes, many flowers bloom, and pollen scatters. Therefore, many people suffer from various symptoms caused by hay fever. These symptoms vary from person to person, with some having mild symptoms and others requiring treatment. Is there anything we can do to beat hay fever?
What causes hay fever?
Air contains various substances, such as pollen. The allergic reactions caused by them are called hay fever. When a harmless substance is taken into the body and is mistaken for something harmful, the body releases chemicals to combat it. The resulting reaction is an allergy.
Hay fever is caused by pollen or spores and causes symptoms only at certain times of the year. (Biggers, 2017)
Examples of things that cause hay fever
・Pollen from trees in spring
・Pollen from late spring and summer grass
・Pollen from weeds (Especially in autumn)
・Spores of fungi and molds
Other causes include pet hair, dust mites, mold, and cockroach dust. In addition, irritants such as cigarette smoke, perfume, and exhaust fumes can also trigger hay fever symptoms.
Not everyone gets hay fever, but even people who don’t usually have symptoms of hay fever can increase their risk. (Biggers, 2017)
Examples of things that increase the risk of hay fever
・Heredity
If someone in our family has hay fever, there is a high chance that we will too. (Biggers, 2017)
・Have any allergies or asthma
People with certain allergies or asthma symptoms are more susceptible to hay fever. (Biggers, 2017)
・Gender and age
While boys are more susceptible to hay fever in childhood, women are more likely to complain of symptoms after puberty. (Biggers, 2017)
・Date of birth
People born in the season when pollen scatters have an increased risk of hay fever. (Biggers, 2017)
・Passive smoking
Excessive smoking during childhood increases the risk of hay fever. (Biggers, 2017)
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
・Examples of hay fever symptoms
Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, red eyes, itchy eyes, itchy nose, itchy skin, sinus pressure, and pain, etc.
While a cold takes time to develop, hay fever symptoms occur immediately after exposure to an allergen. While hay fever lasts as long as you are exposed to the allergen, colds usually go away in 3-5 days. The biggest difference between the two is that hay fever does not produce a fever.
If hay fever continues for a long time, the following symptoms may occur.
Clogged ears, sore throat, headaches, dark circles under the eyes, fatigue, decreased sense of smell, puffy eyes, irritability, etc.
These symptoms can also lead to poor sleep quality, asthma, and low motivation.
(Cafasso, 2014)
Hay fever in infants
Hay fever usually does not develop in children under the age of 3. However, early treatment is important. Treatment from childhood can affect sleep and concentration. Severe hay fever symptoms can affect long-term health, so it’s important to start treatment in childhood.
(Cafasso, 2014)
What can you do to prevent hay fever?
There are several ways to prevent hay fever.
・Antihistamine
In recent years, many medicines containing histamine, which does not cause drowsiness, have been sold, so it is important to ask a pharmacist to find out which one is suitable for us. (Alice Moore, 2021)
・Eye drops
Hay fever causes symptoms such as itching, dry eyes, and hyperemia, so it is important to moisturize your eyes with eye drops. (Alice Moore, 2021)
・Air Purifier
Air purifiers clean the air of pollutants, allergens, and toxins. Therefore, it also disinfects substances that cause hay fever. (Alice Moore, 2021)
・Cold compress
Cold compresses are effective for dry and itchy eyes caused by hay fever. A cold compress can be made by soaking a washcloth in ice water. Putting it on closed eyes for a few minutes can help relieve symptoms. (Alice Moore, 2021)
・Saline nasal rinses
Nasal gargle use is effective for nasal congestion. Saline rinses restore moisture to the nasal passages and reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes. Pour it into your nose to wash away mucus and allergens. (Alice Moore, 2021)
・Wearing a mask
Wearing a mask can reduce the amount of pollen and other allergens that enter our bodies. (Alice Moore, 2021)
Conclusion
Hay fever is caused not only by the intake of pollen into the body but also by our lifestyle and heredity. Symptoms vary from person to person, but severe cases may require treatment. It is difficult to remove pollen from our surroundings. Therefore, in order to overcome pollen, it is necessary to consider various treatment methods and countermeasures and practice them in a way that suits us.
References
Alice Moore, C. (2021). Runny Nose, Itchy Eyes? Beat Hay Fever Season With 7 Simple Steps. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/its-hayfever-season-heres-how-to-get-through-it> [Accessed 22 March 2023].
Biggers, A. (2017). Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): Symptoms, causes, and treatment. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665> [Accessed 20 March 2023].
Cafasso, J. (2014). What are the Symptoms of Hay Fever? [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms> [Accessed 20 March 2023].
