Overview:
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees, or weeds. It causes sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a runny or blocked nose, and sometimes tiredness. It’s very common and can affect daily activities, sleep, and concentration, especially during spring and summer.
How It Works (What’s Happening in the Body):
When pollen enters the nose or eyes, the immune system mistakenly treats it as harmful. The body releases a chemical called histamine, which causes inflammation and triggers allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and mucus production. This reaction is harmless but uncomfortable.
Advice (What You Can Do):
- Start antihistamines before your allergy season if you know your trigger
- Use preservative-free saline nasal sprays to rinse out pollen
- Keep windows shut early morning and evening when pollen is highest
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen from skin and hair
- Pharmacy options like antihistamine tablets, steroid nasal sprays, and anti-allergy eye drops can provide strong relief
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside nostrils to trap pollen
Red Flags (When to Seek Help):
- Symptoms not improving after trying pharmacy treatments for 2–3 weeks
- Persistent wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath (could be asthma)
- Eye pain, vision changes, or severe redness
- Symptoms strongly affecting sleep, work, or school
