When we expect of spring, we expect of warm weather, birds chirping, and flowers. But for a lot of, it also means a return of their seasonal hay fever symptoms.
around 24% Australian Hay fever, with sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes are essentially the most common symptoms. i Serious casesit may possibly affect sleep and concentration, or be linked to an increased frequency of sinus infections.
The exact timing of symptoms is dependent upon your exposure to the allergen – what you're allergic to. People who're exposed to tree pollen (for instance, from plane trees or cypress pine) may experience symptoms at different times of the 12 months just like those from grass pollen (reminiscent of rye grass). are It may also vary across the country.
In Perth, for instance, tree pollen (cypress pine) normally occurs from August to October, while grass pollen counts are highest from October to November. Other cities and regions could have longer pollen seasons, which can increase in summer.
Remind me, what effect does hay fever have on the body?
What we colloquially know as hay fever is named allergic rhinitis. Exposure to a particular allergen (or allergens) triggers an immune response within the body. It causes inflammation and swelling of the tissue lining the nasal passages within the nose.
A spread of Allergens Such reactions could be triggered by: pollen (from trees, grass or grass), dust particles, pet dander, dander, mold and a few air pollutants.
People with allergies which might be present for a part of the 12 months, reminiscent of pollen, experience what we call seasonal hay fever, while those with allergies that could be present at any time, reminiscent of dust mites and pets Animals experience dry, perennial grass fever.
Getting a diagnosis
Many individuals with hay fever self-manage their symptoms by limiting exposure to allergens and using over-the-counter antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays.
But this will likely require help out of your GP and confirmation that what you're experiencing is hay fever. Your GP can review your symptoms and medical history, provide a diagnosis, and help treat and manage your symptoms.
Your GP can even enable you discover possible allergies, based on the symptoms you experience and the environment you're exposed to.
If symptoms persist, your GP may suggest allergy testing. They may refer you to a specialist, called an immunologist, to find out which specific allergen is causing your symptoms. Skin prick tests or blood tests. Tests normally involve exposure of a control to a low dose of the suspected allergen.
But note, there are a lot of tests marketed online which might be unproven and never beneficial by reputable institutions.
How else can I take care of what I'm allergic to?
For those with seasonal hay fever, resources can be found to assist manage exposure, based on flowering seasons for common allergy-related species or through pollen forecasting services.
Provided by the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Useful Pollen Guide Breakdowns for every species and once they are most probably to have symptoms, for every state and region.
Pollen monitoring and forecasting services – eg Perth Pollen, Melbourne Pollen And Sydney PollanAlso for other cities – can enable you plan outdoor activities.
There are also corresponding phone apps for these services, which might provide notifications when pollen counts are high. You can download these apps (eg Air raterPerth Pollen, Melbourne Pollen and Sydney Pollen) out of your favorite app store.
Apps like Air rater Also lets you enter details about your symptoms, which could be matched to current environmental conditions (pollen count, temperature, smoke, etc.).
Using statistical modeling, the app may give you the option to ascertain a link between symptoms and exposure. If enough connections are established, the app can send you notifications when Risk of exposure If high, it might prompt you to limit outdoor activities and any medications which might be available.