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Hayfever

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Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen grains, of which grass pollen is the most common type. Sneezing, a runny nose (rhinitis), nasal congestion and watery eyes are the most common symptoms but wheezing and coughing can also be a problem for a significant proportion. 7

The higher the pollen count level in the atmosphere, the worse the effects, with symptoms often being at their worst in the early morning and late evening. It is estimated that between May and August 2% to 10% of the population suffer from hayfever and those who suffer allergies such as asthma are more likely to suffer from hayfever also. 7

Allergies are extreme reactions to basically harmless substances. You get hayfever if you are one of a number of people whose body reacts to pollen in a different way to most (you are described as being sensitive to pollen). Hayfever comes on in the spring and summer when pollen levels are high. 2

An allergy, whether to mold or pollen, is an inappropriate response by the immune system to a substance not normally harmful. The immune system is an intricate defense network of white blood cells geared toward fighting “foreign invaders.” Researchers aren’t sure which part of the system goes haywire in an allergic reaction. However, the immune system wrongly identifies a non-toxic substance as an invader and rallies an allergic response to protect you. Soon, the allergic reaction, meant to protect you, becomes the disease in itself. Hayfever is an allergic reaction of the nasal passages and airways to airborne pollens. Allergies tend to run in families, and it’s believed that breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies as they grow up. 19

Pollen is present at different times of the year and its quantity varies from season to season. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis attacks also depend on what pollen you are allergic to. The grass pollen season usually begins between mid-May and June, ending some time between mid-July and August. Since causes of hayfever are seasonal, symptoms can be experienced at other times of the year due to sensitivity to other allergies. 16

The new immunotherapeutic drug, called AIC (Amb a 1 – ISS Conjugate), is created by attaching immune-boosting molecules, or oligonucleotides, to the major ragweed protein responsible for allergic reactions (Amb 1 a). Preliminary results show a several-fold reduction in hayfever symptoms and a similar reduction in allergy medication requirements during peak ragweed season compared to patients who received a placebo. 1

Hayfever is seasonal, occurring in spring (usually early May onwards) and summer. Symptoms may last several weeks but this depends on whether one or more types of pollen are the cause. There are many kinds of grasses and trees which can give rise to symptoms at different times of the season depending on the time of pollenation. 2

In the study, a phase II trial, researchers recruited adults with seasonal ragweed allergies who had positive skin-test reactions to ragweed pollen. Each study participant received six injections of the Dynavax drug. The scientists measured the response to inhaled ragweed before and after injections, and tested immune response and clinical symptoms during an entire ragweed season, including antibody measurements and T cell studies. 1

Both mild hayfever, and that which occurs now and again (intermittent), can be treated using medicines called antihistamines. These work by blocking the action of a chemical called histamine that is released by the body during the inflammation (allergic) response. It is the main cause of symptoms in hayfever. 2

Antihistamine Tablets, these are very effective in relieving the symptoms of Hayfever. They can be prescribed from your G.P or purchased over the counter, Boots is a great place to pick up Antihistamines as they tend to be on 3 for 2 or buy one get one free in peak Hayfever season. 31

Persistent symptoms and more severe disease are treated with anti-inflammatory medicines called steroids (of the glucocorticosteroid type), which often come in nasal sprays. These block the whole allergic response and are therefore more effective for those people who need a stronger medicine. 2

Be aware of the pollen count. In most places, the pollen count is usually broadcast along with the weather. Be sure to avoid areas of high pollen concentration, eg long grass, lawn mowings and trees if allergic to these. If you need to work in these environments consider wearing a mask and goggles. 13

Homeopathy is different from conventional medicine because conventional medicine simply defines health as the lack of symptoms (if you dry up a runny nose, is your cold gone and are you healthy?). Homeopathy defines health as the lack of disease (if you get rid of the source of the runny nose in the process of dealing with the source, the runny nose will disappear on its own). 36

Following 2 years of immunotherapy there was a highly significant reduction in both symptom scores and the need for rescue medication during the pollen season in the immunotherapy-treated group compared to the placebo group (Fig. Clinical improvement in symptoms was accompanied by a reduction in the size of early and late cutaneous responses. 4

Children certainly do get allergy and allergy to nuts and some of the allergies go away with time. Unfortunately nut allergy tends not to. It certainly isn’t an exclusion, so if you start to develop serious symptoms of an allergy in later life, get it sorted out because it can be an allergy. 14

The Panacea offers these health-extracts to help people investigate health-related subjects in greater depth using the references given in each paragraph. Kindly note that these are current extracts from the web, meant for research, and that these are not meant to be medical advise. For all your health-related needs you must consult trained and licensed personnel.

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