Hay fever season is already well upon us with pollen levels already going through the roof. Hay fever is a nuisance for anyone who suffers from it, but for people with asthma; managing and controlling hay fever and other allergies is vitally important.

What is hay fever exactly?

When people talk about hay fever they are generally referring to seasonal allergic rhinitis. Like any other allergy, allergic rhinitis is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to an allergen. Common allergens include dust mites, pet, mould and pollen.  Hay fever is triggered by wind borne pollen from trees, grass and even weeds. Early spring is generally caused by tree pollen while later in the season it is the grass and weeds that are the culprits.

The allergen comes into contact with the sensitive lining in your nose and sinuses and sets off the allergic response giving rise to these common annoying symptoms:

• A runny, stuffy or itchy nose
• Frequent sneezing.
• Itchy eyes, sinuses, throat and ears.

Link between allergic rhinitis and asthma

Unfortunately around 80% of people with asthma also suffer from allergic rhinitis. Inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to pollen can make asthma worse.

When treating both asthma and allergic rhinitis it is important to find out the cause of your problem, whether it be due to pollen or another allergen. If you can avoid the allergen, this reduces your need for more medication, but sadly if the offender is pollen it is very difficult to avoid.

Managing at this time of the year.

For asthma and hay fever suffers this time of the year doesn't need to be a burden as there are many options available.

Even though avoiding pollen is difficult you may find avoiding going outside when the pollen count is high helpful. The pollen count is generally highest in the morning, on windy days and after a thunderstorm.

There are also many over the counter medications that can help relieve hay fever. Have a talk to our Remadee team at Hillcrest Pharmacy!

The important thing is that hay fever gets treated as there is strong evidence to prove that asthmatics who look after their upper airways will need less asthma medication and importantly less hospital or GP visits.

If you are one of the many who suffer from the annoyance that is hay fever with or without asthma don't let it become more of a nuisance this spring.

 For more advice head into Hillcrest Pharmacy and get your hay fever under control today!