It is a common myth that hay fever is a disease that always develops in childhood. About 1 in 5 people with the condition first develop hay fever symptoms when they are over 20. So what might cause us to develop hay fever and how can we manage our symptoms?
The likelihood of developing an allergic reaction is in your genes. It is thought that approximately 1 in 3 adults in the Western world are likely to develop allergies. However, this is only a susceptibility – many people born with these tendencies will never develop active symptoms.
Dr Roona Ali, a consultant physician in allergy and asthma in London, says: “Most people only have antibodies to viruses and bacteria. But 1 in 3 people also have antibodies to common things like pollen or peanuts. However, only half of this number will develop real-life symptoms.”
We know that some people are more likely to develop allergies, such as hay fever, in later life. However, why some of us develop active allergies is not yet fully understood.
Ali explains that theories that can shake up your immune system include serious infections like pneumonia, exposure to pollution, or going through hormonal changes.
“However, even if we identified people who were susceptible, this would not give us any warning about who would be allergic and who would not,” she adds. “In fact, if you know you can react to a certain allergen, you may avoid it—this can be counterproductive, because exposing yourself may cause you to remain tolerant.”
This is completely different for people with proven allergies, especially severe ones like anaphylaxis, where it is important to completely avoid any exposure to allergies.
The important thing to remember is that allergies – such as hay fever – can develop at any time. If you start having symptoms of hay fever or any other allergy, make sure you talk to your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
The main symptoms of hay fever are:
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Watering, burning or itching of the eyes.
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Nasal congestion or runny nose.
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Coughing and sneezing.
However, people who don’t realize they can get hay fever as adults may assume they have a cold – and without the right treatment or approach, may have to deal with symptoms unnecessarily for several weeks.
This may make the situation even worse. People whose symptoms become apparent may also develop secondary symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, headaches, and bad mood.
On the other hand, some people who are diagnosed with hay fever may experience other symptoms, believing that they are also related to their allergies. However, this is not necessary and any new or unusual symptoms should be treated with individual concern.
“It’s important to remember that typical hay fever symptoms are very mild,” explains Ali. “People also need to remember that the symptoms of hay fever are primarily airway related and there are often no strange symptoms associated with it.”
There’s no way to prevent hay fever or any other allergy if you’re born with a sensitivity. However, there are many treatments that will relieve your symptoms.
If you think you’re dealing with hay fever, there are over the counter and prescription medications that can ease your symptoms.
These include:
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Steroid nasal spray – for blocked and runny nose.
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Antihistamines – usually in the form of tablets and eye drops.
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Decongestants – in the form of nasal sprays and drops.
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Immunotherapy – may help people with more severe symptoms.
If you feel that over-the-counter remedies are not helping, contact your doctor to check if you have hay fever, or to see if there is another problem, such as sinusitis.
Along with taking any prescribed or recommended medications, there are other things you can do to reduce the likelihood of symptoms.
Ali advises that pollen counts are often higher at night, so if you are suffering from hay fever you should try to sleep with the windows closed.
“When you drive, it’s also helpful to use the air conditioning instead of opening the windows,” she says. “Taking seaside holidays where grass pollen counts are low is a good idea, as well as avoiding areas with excessive grass when possible.
Finally, wearing glasses or sunglasses can provide some protection for your eyes.”
Although you can’t control whether or not you develop hay fever, by knowing that this condition can develop at any age, you are more likely to seek the right help in a timely manner.
Taking medication and the proper precautions should mean you can get out and enjoy the warm weather.
