When we predict of spring, we predict of warm weather, birds chirping, and flowers. But for a lot of, it also means a return of their seasonal hay fever symptoms.
around 24% Australian Hay fever, with sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes are essentially the most common symptoms. i Serious casesit could affect sleep and concentration, or be linked to an increased frequency of sinus infections.
The exact timing of symptoms will depend on your exposure to the allergen – what you might be allergic to. People who’re exposed to tree pollen (for instance, from plane trees or cypress pine) may experience symptoms at different times of the 12 months just like those from grass pollen (akin to rye grass). are It may even vary across the country.
In Perth, for instance, tree pollen (cypress pine) often occurs from August to October, while grass pollen counts are highest from October to November. Other cities and regions can have longer pollen seasons, which can increase in summer.
Remind me, what effect does hay fever have on the body?
What we colloquially know as hay fever is known as allergic rhinitis. Exposure to a selected allergen (or allergens) triggers an immune response within the body. It causes inflammation and swelling of the tissue lining the nasal passages within the nose.
A variety of Allergens Such reactions will be triggered by: pollen (from trees, grass or grass), dust particles, pet dander, dander, mold and a few air pollutants.
People with allergies which are present for a part of the 12 months, akin to pollen, experience what we call seasonal hay fever, while those with allergies that will be present at any time, akin to dust mites and pets Animals experience dry, perennial grass fever.
Getting a diagnosis
Many individuals with hay fever self-manage their symptoms by limiting exposure to allergens and using over-the-counter antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays.
But this may occasionally require help out of your GP and confirmation that what you might be experiencing is hay fever. Your GP can review your symptoms and medical history, provide a diagnosis, and help treat and manage your symptoms.
Your GP may assist you to discover possible allergies, based on the symptoms you experience and the environment you might be exposed to.
If symptoms persist, your GP may suggest allergy testing. They may refer you to a specialist, called an immunologist, to find out which specific allergen is causing your symptoms. Skin prick tests or blood tests. Tests often involve exposure of a control to a low dose of the suspected allergen.
But note, there are various tests marketed online which are unproven and never really helpful by reputable institutions.
How else can I take care of what I'm allergic to?
For those with seasonal hay fever, resources can be found to assist manage exposure, based on flowering seasons for common allergy-related species or through pollen forecasting services.
Provided by the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Useful Pollen Guide Breakdowns for every species and once they are almost definitely to have symptoms, for every state and region.
Pollen monitoring and forecasting services – eg Perth Pollen, Melbourne Pollen And Sydney PollanAlso for other cities – can assist you to plan outdoor activities.
There are also corresponding phone apps for these services, which may provide notifications when pollen counts are high. You can download these apps (eg Air raterPerth Pollen, Melbourne Pollen and Sydney Pollen) out of your favorite app store.
Apps like Air rater Also means that you can enter details about your symptoms, which will be matched to current environmental conditions (pollen count, temperature, smoke, etc.).
Using statistical modeling, the app may have the option to determine a link between symptoms and exposure. If enough connections are established, the app can send you notifications when Risk of exposure If high, it might prompt you to limit outdoor activities and any medications which are available.