Hay
fever is a form of allergy caused by the exposure to wind-borne
pollen from grasses, weeds, trees and other plants. The allergy
may be very specific to one type of plant or may involve a number
of plants. It is world- wide – people in Australia can be very badly affected by gum tree pollens – but generally worse in rural areas, less bad by the coast or in the middle of cities. There is an itching of the nose accompanied by nasal discharge and sneezing. There is often reddening, swelling and itching of the eyes as well. The symptoms can be quite severe and there may be an asthmatic type of wheezing. The condition can also be very inconvenient. The hay fever season generally coincides with the external examination period in British schools. Those scholars intent on doing as much revision as possible are hampered by the symptoms that can cause irritability, poor sleep and headache. There is little use in telling the student sitting Oxbridge entrance that he, or she, will be fine in six weeks time, when it will all be too late. Allergic rhinitis should not be confused with perennial rhinitis in which the nose can be blocked and run all the year, particularly in cold, damp weather. It is said that perennial rhinitis tend to be more common in people from the Indian sub-continent who move to Northern Europe.
The main management of hay fever is by the use of antihistamines. Fortunately, most of these are relatively non-sedating compared to those used in the past. In milder cases, particularly, they may be all that is required. Pollen counts now let people know when their troubles might be at their worst. General advice may be given such as keeping the windows closed, particularly at night, when the pollen count is at its highest, avoiding walks in the country, and, for children, being advised not to participate in outside activities when the pollen count is high. Unfortunately all this advice applies when the weather is at its most fine and enjoyable. Nasal drops and sprays are available, as are eye drops, but it would be advisable to consult the doctor about their use. In certain cases, where it is particularly indicated, the doctor may give a short course of oral steroids which can have a very beneficial effect for the exam candidate, for example, or someone participating in an important sporting event. The word “steroid” evokes a reaction of horror in many people but the required course of treatment to obtain a useful effect is usually very short term and not likely to give any ill effect. |
