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Download What is Hayfever - Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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What is hayfever? Having hayfever (or seasonal allergic rhinitis) means that you are allergic to pollen. To be allergic means that your body is over-reacting to what it wrongly imagines is a dangerous substance. Hayfever symptoms are therefore the product of an over-protective immune system. Hayfever is a very common allergy and can affect 2 in every 10 people (Allergy UK). Many people find their symptoms get less severe as they get older. Pollen is produced by a variety of plants, grasses, flowers and trees. Pollen grains contain a large number of allergens (the proteins that cause allergy). Some of the finer pollens are scattered by wind, and may travel very long distances. This explains why some people suffer from allergic reactions to the pollen of a plant that does not grow in their immediate neighbourhood. Tree pollens are heavier and so they do not travel as far, this makes them easier to avoid. • January to May - Trees give off pollen • May to late July - Grass pollen counts are at their highest in the UK • July to late October - Herbaceous plants give off pollen • July to November - Mould spores increase Weather conditions may influence the allergen concentrations in the air (the pollen count). • Wind and hot, dry weather helps the pollen to disperse - these factors make hayfever worse. • Rain, on the other hand, brings the pollen count down, so lowers the risk of hayfever. What are the usual symptoms of hayfever? • An itchy, runny nose. • Sneezing which goes on and on. • Watery, itchy eyes. • An itch or burning in the throat. • Sometimes wheezing and coughing. • Symptoms tend to be worse mid-morning and again in the afternoon. Other things can make you allergic and give you the same symptoms as hayfever, for example animal hair or the microscopic mites that live on house dust (dust mites). A ‘skin prick’ test can confirm your allergy if required. Hayfever prevention measures It is impossible to totally avoid pollen, but symptoms can be less severe if exposure to pollen is reduced. • Keep windows shut in cars and buildings. • Try to stay indoors as much as possible. Avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is at its highest. • Wearing sunglasses may reduce eye symptoms by preventing pollen reaching the eye membranes. • Avoid walking in open grassy spaces, particularly during the evening and at night when pollen counts are at their highest. • Avoid cutting/mowing grass if possible. • Take a shower and wash hair after going outside when the pollen count is high. • Take a holiday by the sea during peak season! • Certain cars may be fitted with pollen filters. • Check pollen forecasts given on TV/Radio weather updates. Medicines and treatment for hayfever Medications and treatment available to treat hayfever include anti-histamine tablets, steroid nasal sprays and nose drops. There are many medications available on prescription and some can be purchased over-the-counter without prescription. Remember to: • Follow the instructions about how and when to take it. • Use the medication regularly. • Take your medicines with you when you leave the house. If your symptoms are not getting any better, then go back to your doctor. Please note: Some hayfever medicines can make you feel drowsy and can make it dangerous for you to drive or operate machinery. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medicine has this side-effect. Useful websites Allergy UK www.allergyuk.org The National Pollen Research Unit www.pollenuk.worc.ac.uk NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Regional Forecasts from the BBC www.bbc.co.uk/weather If you have any queries, or require further information please telephone the clinic you were seen. Head and Neck Outpatients on 01332 787472, Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm After 5.00pm and at weekends contact Ward 307 on 01332 787307 Medical Outpatients on 01332 785564 Children’s Outpatient Department on 01332 786899 or 01332 786816 Any external organisations and websites included here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, nor does their inclusion constitute a recommendation. Reference Code: P0586/1078/02.2010/VERSION3 © Copyright 2010 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission in writing from the Patient Information Service, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (G10463/03.2008/V2)
