If you thought hayfever was limited to one season a year, think again. In South Africa, with our longer, hotter seasons, people suffering from hayfever are discovering that they are afflicted with the symptoms almost year-round, at times with a vengeance.
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Generally the symptoms of hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) are precipitated by contact with air- and wind-borne allergens, typically grass and tree pollens, and also fungal spores. Spring, early summer, change in season – there isn’t much of a break for the pollen-sensitive, and in South Africa the pollen season is long-lasting and of a high enough concentration to cause symptoms for ten months of the year.
Symptoms The classic symptoms of an allergy are a runny and stuffy nose, watery and irritated eyes, asthma, headaches, itchy skin and even nausea. Unfortunately, allergies can predispose a person to more serious ailments, like ear infections, tonsillitis, sinusitis and gastro-intestinal complaints.
When in contact with allergens, the nasal passages release chemicals in the mast cells, and this results in the inflammatory reaction. The inside of the nostrils can appear red and inflamed-looking, as does the appearance of the throat. The primary mediator which contributes to these symptoms is histamine, which is released naturally by the body as an over-reaction to the given stimulus.
How to avoid it Counteracting allergies is possible to a certain degree, like avoiding grass pollens on a high-count day (most weather reports nowadays contain these figures) and trying to stay indoors. Certain chemicals will considerably aggravate allergic symptoms, and measures can be taken to avoid these, like cigarette smoke, chlorine, perfumed sprays and aerosols, fabric softeners and the like.
When there is inflammation in the nasal mucosa, there is always a heightened sensitivity to such irritants. Dust mites are also a culprit in the allergy wars, and taking pro-active measures can make a big difference in the comfort level of the allergic person. Damp dusting, vacuuming often, airing beds and avoiding carpets and too much fabric in the bedroom are all effective means to reduce allergic reactions.
Medication Drug therapy is often used very effectively in conjunction with allergen avoidance, like the use of anti-histamine nasal sprays, decongestants, and eye-drops. Some of these products do have the side effect of causing dehydration, so drinking plenty of liquids is an important measure to counteract this. There are also many natural remedies to promote sinus drainage, and also to reduce congestion, sinus pressure and headaches.
Combinations of herbs can assist in regulating the flow of histamine, and in cases of minor allergies and hayfever prove very beneficial and effective. They also act as natural antibiotics, and reduce the excessive mucous drainage and inflammation of the pharynx, larynx and bronchial tubes.
One of the important benefits of sinus drainage and stimulating the immune system is the reduction of infections. Also, a consideration with the use of herbal remedies is the fact that they are not habit-forming, and there is no problem with side effects.
Children For children who suffer with allergies, where their sleep is constantly interrupted by the sensation of a blocked nose and sinus pain, and a post-nasal drip can predispose them to secondary infections, this is a seasonal disorder that certainly needs intervention.
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