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WHAT IS IT?
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
NOT ALL PLANTS ARE TO BLAME!
THE POLLEN COUNT EXPLAINED
Hay fever is something of a misnomer: it isn't caused by hay, and it doesn't give you a fever. Its medical name 'allergic rhinitis,' and is caused by an allergic reaction to the pollen and spores produces by plants and trees. According to a recent survey conducted by researchers Mintel*, it affects about a quarter of UK population, and this figure is rising, especially amongst the younger age group.
The Hay Fever Health Report issued in April 2010 warned that the continuing growth in urban populations over the next 20 years will result in further rises in allergies as pollution from traffic and industry irritates people's airways and exacerbates their symptoms.
The report predicted that large cities such as London and Birmingham will see the biggest increases in hay fever symptoms with as much as 45 per cent of the populations affected.
Pollen grains are invisible to the human eye. They are produced by grasses and trees and released into the air, causing irritation to the eyes, throat, ears and lungs, and most especially the nasal passages.
Different species release pollen at different times, so it's sometimes possible to deduce which ones are responsible for a particular person's symptoms.
Grass pollen easily tops the list, with an estimated 95% of all hay fever sufferers reacting to it.
The reaction itself is a physical mistake. Pollen is harmless, but the body's immune
system sometimes identifies it as an invader and tries to eject it from the body.
With hay fever, the body produces an antibody (IgE) and this stimulates the immune
systems cells to release a natural defensive chemical cocktail which includes Histamine.
It is these chemicals which give rise to the symptoms, and why hay fever medications
concentrate on anti-
Hay fever symptoms are only too well-
- Sneezing and a blocked or runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy mouth, throat, nose and ears
People with asthma and hay fever suffer more than most and their symptoms extend to:
- Tight chest
- Coughing and wheezing
- Shortness of breath
Hay fever symptoms get worse when the pollen count is high and in the presence of indoor and outdoor pollutants such as exhaust fumes from vehicles, some household chemicals and cigarette smoke, all of which exacerbate the allergy.
The British hay fever 'season' starts around mid-
People who are allergic to tree pollens (particularly Birch, Yew and Hazel) start to experience symptoms early in the spring.
Those allergic to grass pollens are most affected from early to mid May through to the end of July. People allergic to pollen from plant species such as nettles, fungi and mould spores suffer most later in the season, and sometimes well into autumn.
NOT ALL PLANTS ARE TO BLAME!
Many people think they are also allergic to roses, lilies,
daffodils, tulips and other flowers. The facts however are that plants with flowers
need to be pollinated by insects – think of the bumble bee going from flower to flower.
The flowers themselves are brightly coloured and often fragrant in order to attract
insects which provide the 'pollination service'. They don't release pollen into the
air.
Plants and trees that do release pollen are usually comparatively drab, with less colourful flowers. A few people are also allergic to flowers like roses or lilies, but usually these people are florists, gardeners or landscapers. Their constant exposure to these flower pollens can cause them to become sensitised. For individuals who seem allergic to flowers with heavy fragrance, it is most likely that they have a condition called vasomotor rhinitis, which has similar symptoms to hay fever.
THE POLLEN COUNT EXPLAINED
The air in any given location is sampled regularly over
a 24 hour period, and then the number of grains of pollen in one cubic meter of air
is averaged to provide a figure – quite literally the Pollen Count. During colder,
rainy days, the pollen count is low since the rain dampens the air and inhibits the
plants from releasing it pollen.
However warm, sunny days with a light breeze are perfect conditions for plants to
distribute pollen, and these are the high pollen-
If you think you have hay fever, the first thing to do is to visit your Medicentre. You can then get the right advice on the treatments and medications available to help control your symptoms. This is particularly important if you have asthma, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are taking other medication or have another health problem.
© Stephen M Grant
© Stephen M Grant
Please note that this article is for general guidance and information only and should not be used as a definitive guide. Medicentre has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty whatsoever as to its accuracy or suitability. Specific advice concerning your condition will be provided during your consultation at a Medicentre. We do not administer steriod injections for hayfever. Updated May 2011
