Hayfever & Allergy Relief

Antihistamines, Seasonal Allergies, Pollen Sensitivity - Hay Fever and Allergy Relief

Hay fever results from allergic reactions to specific things, such as ragweed, pollen and felines. It is also called allergic rhinitis and comes in two forms, which are seasonal and perennial. Seasonal hay fever will occur during specific yearly periods, while perennial hay fever can occur at any time during the year.

Most people who develop hay fever during spring get it from tree pollens which they are allergic to. Weed or grass pollen might cause allergic reactions during summer, and in fall some people become allergic to ragweed. Fungal spores are most active from the end of March until November though it can appear at any time of the year.

Those suffering from perennial based hay fever will usually acquire it from allergens which are located indoors. This might include feathers, animal dander and dust mites. Pet dogs and cats may shed fur which can be found in carpets, bedding, draperies or upholstery and also contribute to the development of allergies.

Perhaps the most common allergen is mold, which is frequently found in areas which are damp like basements and bathrooms. Hay fever results from an immune system which considers inhaled pollen, which is harmless, as being a lethal substance which has invaded the body. It will therefore overreact, flooding the bloodstream using chemicals such as leukotrienes and histamine that then inflames the nasal passage lining, along with the eyelids and sinuses.

This in turn causes symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, postnasal drip and even dark circles beneath the eyes. While not life threatening, hay fever is extremely irritating and can greatly disrupt one’s quality of life, preventing them from working, playing and getting things done.

The body’s immune system thinks it’s helping by eradicating the “deadly” invasion, and will attempt to either trap the allergen or expel it. Swelling might also occur since this is the body’s attempt to prevent the allergen from entering certain areas like nasal passages. As a consequence, some people might develop nosebleeds or nasal polyps which are miniature growths that are non-cancerous.

McDaid Pharmacy sells a variety of products designed to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever while helping your body’s immune system calm down. This includes Hay Band, which is designed to prevent hay fever before it starts, and Telfast allergy tablets which will provide relief from watery and itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing.