What is Hay Fever?  . 

· Hay fever is swelling of the lining inside of the nose. 

· Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis. 

· The swelling is caused by breathing in  something to which you are allergic (an allergen). 

· Some common allergens include: 

à pollen from trees, grasses and weeds

à mold

à animals

à house dust mites 

· Other triggers such as air pollution, dry air, strong odors and smoke can also make hay fever worse. 

What Are The Signs of Hay Fever?   

· a stuffy or runny nose and cough lasting longer than two weeks 

· sneezing more often than normal 

· itchy eyes, nose and throat 

· watery, red, puffy eyes 

· snoring 

· mouth breathing  

When Does Hay Fever Occur? 

· Some people have symptoms of hay fever year round.  

· Other people have hay fever only occurs in certain seasons or after exposure to triggers such as pets. 

How Do You Treat Hay Fever? 

· An important part of treating hay fever is to first identify your allergies. 

· Remove, avoid or reduce exposure to your allergy triggers and irritants, like tobacco smoke. 

· Keep doors and windows shut during pollen season and limit outdoor activity during this time. 

· Antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays are the most commonly used medicines to treat hay fever.  

· Talk to your doctor about the right medicine for you. 

· Decongestant nasal sprays will help, but should be used for no more than 3-5 days.  Longer use can increase nasal symptoms.

· Allergy shots are sometimes used for people with severe hay fever and  seasonal problems to grass, tree or weed pollen. 

· Allergy shots are given to make a person less sensitive to their allergens. 

· Speak to your doctor to learn more about hay fever.  

How Does Hay Fever Affect Asthma? 

· The nose, windpipe and airways in the lungs make up the respiratory system. 

· Hay fever affects the nose and asthma affects the lungs. 

· The nose acts as a filter to the airways.  The nose also warms up and adds moisture to the air before it enters the lungs. 

· Anything that affects the nose can also affect the airways in the lungs. 

· Many people who have hay fever also have asthma. 

· Hay fever that is not treated can make asthma worse.  

Asthma Allie says " Treating hay fever can improve your asthma control!"

The Children's Asthma Education Centre © 2010