What is Hay Fever?

For many people, sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose signal the start of the dreaded hay fever season. This seasonal condition usually kicks off in spring and the symptoms we experience are also part of what we call ‘seasonal rhinitis’.

If you get hay fever, you’re far from alone. It’s one of the most common health conditions on the planet. The cause? You’re allergic to plant pollen and/or mould spores that become airborne during the hay fever season of spring, summer and for an unlucky few, in early winter as well.

On the first encounter with an allergen, the hay fever sufferer’s immune system mistakenly identifies the allergen as an enemy invader and gets busy producing antibodies to fight it off.

When the allergen appears again, these antibodies grab it, triggering the release of chemicals into the bloodstream that cause inflammation and other uncomfortable hay fever symptoms.

Hay Fever Symptoms

Firstly, it’s important to know that there are two main types of hay fever:

1. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is widespread in spring, early summer and autumn, when the air is thick with pollens from trees and grasses, and mould spores that may have been dormant in the cooler months.

2. Perennialallergic rhinitis happens all year round. It can be caused by house dust mite, dander and mould spores. It’s made worse by tobacco smoke, perfumes and air pollution.

Regardless of the type, hay fever symptoms usually include:

• Sneezing, sometimes in fits of up to 10 or more sneezes.

• Clear runny discharge or dripping from a stuffed up nose.

• A feeling of having plugged or stuffed ears that isn’t helped by swallowing.

• Watery bloodshot eyes (your eyes may also be puffy and sore to touch).

• Itching of your nose, soft palate, ear canal, eyes, and/or skin

• Tiredness and trouble sleeping

You are more likely to suffer from hay fever symptoms if you:

• Have a family history of hay fever, asthma or eczema

• Were exposed to cigarette smoke as a child

Hay Fever Treatment

Always consult your health professional if you have questions about your symptoms and how to treat them, but fortunately, for most people, hay fever is easily managed.

One of the traditional ways to reduce the effects of hay fever is to simply stay inside on high pollen days so that you avoid coming into contact with airborne allergens.

Unfortunately, for many of us, this is not ideal or practical.

Many of the pharmaceutical hay fever remedies, such as saline or steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines, are highly effective medicines that are either prescribed by your doctor or recommended by a pharmacist.

Be prepared for hay fever season by keeping Kleenex Tissues in handy locations. Pop a Kleenex Pocket Pack into your handbag, backpack, and the kids’ schoolbags. For runny noses, use Kleenex Special Care tissues with Aloe Vera. They have 3 ply Kleenex softness with Aloe Vera to help soothe a sore red nose.