Causes and Remedies for Hay Fever

Hay fever is otherwise called allergic rhinitis. The symptoms of this condition include watery eyes, stuffy nose etc. Hay fever is nothing but an allergic reaction caused by pollutants in air such as molds and pollens.

About 20% of the US population suffers from hay fever to some extent. This condition can be seen equally in both men and women. Though hay fever is seasonal mostly, in some cases it can last a long time. The main hay fever causing seasons are fall and spring. The allergens in the case of hay fever are mostly airborne substances which can enter through your nose, mouth, lungs, throat or linings of eyes. It is difficult to find out the allergen that causes this condition in a majority of cases. When there is inhalation of pollen, the immune system overreacts, as pollen is thought to be a harmful substance.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody is produced by the body to fight the invasion of allergen. In order to remove the pollen from the airways, the IgE antibody causes the release of chemicals such as histamine. This process leads to the symptoms related with hay fever. Symptoms of asthma may also be present in people who suffer from hay fever.

Pollens are the most common allergens in hay fever. These are tiny particles that come into air contact from flowering plants. Reactions can be caused by pollens generated by some types of grasses, weeds, trees etc. Lesser allergic reaction results from other types of pollens.

You can take antihistamines such as Benadryl to be free of problems such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat etc. These medications can however make you drowsy, hence, it pays not to drive the car or operate dangerous machinery after taking these medicines. To cure stuffy nose, you can take a decongestant along with an antihistamine.