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Hayfever & allergies

 


What are hay fever and allergies?

Having hay fever and other allergies mean that you are allergic to pollen, fungal spores or some other kind of foreign substance. These are allergens, substances that can cause an allergic reaction. Your allergic reaction happens when your body's immune system mistakes the allergen for a harmful invader, causing irritating and uncomfortable symptoms in some people. Allergies are extremely widespread and affect approximately one in four of the population in the UK at some time in their life. There is a wide range of allergies from minor ones such as hayfever to more immediate ones that require urgent medical attention, such as nut allergies. Each year the numbers of allergy sufferers are increasing by 5% with as many as half of all sufferers being children.


Common causes

Practically anything can be an allergen, here are some common ones:

  • House dust mites

  • Pollen from trees and grasses

  • Animals such as cats and dogs

  • Insects such as wasps and bees

  • Milk

  • Eggs

  • Nuts

  • Fruit

  • Latex

  • Penicillin and some other drugs


Symptoms

  • Sneezing

  • Wheezing

  • Sinus pain

  • Runny nose

  • Coughing

  • Nettle rash / hives

  • Swelling

  • Itchy eyes, ears, lips throat & palate (roof of mouth)

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sickness vomiting, & diarrhea

  • Increase in secretions


Consult your doctor at the onset of acute symptoms.


Natural remedies

  • Homeopathy has traditionally been used to help with symptoms such as inflamed, watering, streaming and itching eyes and nose. The homeopathic remedy Euphrasia as contained in Nelsons Allergy & Hayfever may help. (Always read the label on a product.)

  • Food sensitivity and health balancing - Identifying allergies to specific foods can help you avoid imbibing substances that you’re allergic to.


Other ways to help

  • Start using local honey as a sweetener in your food. Honey from your area will have a combination of pollens unique to your region. Eating this year round can help get your body used to them and may help you become less allergic as time goes by. Children under one year of age should not be given honey.

  • Use eucalyptus oil in a steam bath to help clear nasal passages.

  • Eating spicy foods can help clear nasal passages.

  • Take precautions to reduce exposure to the allergens that causes your hay fever. See some examples below:

  • Pollen - stay indoors, change air filters, close windows, keep windows closed while driving

  • Pet dander - avoid animals, do not pet animals, shower after being exposed to an animal

  • Dust- dust frequently, avoid very dusty places, clean air filters