Seasonal Allergy

Seasonal allergy is a common problem in people suffering from the allergy in the northern hemisphere. Usually, the situation occurs on allergic people during the months of May to June, when the onset of haying season becomes prevalent. To be more accustomed to this form of allergy, seasonal allergy is more commonly called hay fever, a name which clearly indicates the main reason where the allergen is coming from---hay.

Seasonal allergy is mainly caused by the immune system's natural reaction to fight off and curtail allergens. Pollens are the allergens that are identified as the culprit for seasonal allergy. Pollens are coming from plants and are mixing with the air during the sunny to humid days, or during the onset of summer and spring.

Certain types of pollens are identified to cause seasonal allergy. Particularly, pollen from the trees of birch, hornbeam, olive and alder are allergens. Pollens from particular grasses, including timothy and rye grass, and from weeds are strongly causing allergic reactions that lead to the formation and onset of seasonal allergy.

Common symptoms of seasonal allergy are sore throat, runny nose, headache, wheezing, itchy nose, stuffy nose and watery eyes. There is total discomfort being felt by the patient and there is no wonder that the person is feeling sick. In some cases, there is also an onset of fever, a natural body reaction to drive away disease-causing particles in the body.

The treatment is also very simple. Just like any other forms of allergies, antihistamines would help treat and curtail the onset of this form of allergy. Corticosteroid nasal sprays would also do the trick in helping bring relief to the patient. There are also allergy shots being applied, which are used when the allergen could not be avoided by the person. It is like a form of vaccination.

Prevention is much better than cure, but in the case of seasonal allergy, there seems to be lack of prevention techniques. However, patient would just remain strictly indoors during the haying season to avoid being exposed to pollen in the air. The room should also be air-conditioned to make sure the pollen granules are not carried into the air circulating in the room.

Wearing facemasks would also help filter out the pollen in the air. Wearing sunglasses when going outdoors along with facemasks would also help avoid the onset of seasonal allergy.