7 Things You Didn't Know About Hay Fever
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
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The Facts Will Set You (Allergy) FreeFor those who suffer from hay fever, there’s a lot to take in (and not just through the nose). For example, did you also know that hay fever is also referred to as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis? Here are a few more things you may be interested to learn. -
1. Hay fever has nothing to do with hay. Or a fever.No, you don’t have to eat hay, or even be around it, to have hay fever. And despite its name, it doesn't cause a fever. But you may be at risk for it if you: 1) Have other allergies or asthma, 2) have a blood relative with allergies or asthma, or 3) are constantly exposed to allergens, such as animal dander.
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2. You may have year-round hay fever symptoms.Yes, hay fever can be seasonal, with symptoms triggered at a particular time of year by tree pollen, grasses or weeds, which all bloom at different times. But you can also have perennial hay fever with year-round symptoms if you're sensitive to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold or pet dander. If this is the case, your symptoms may be worse during certain times of the year.
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3. Cockroaches may be the culprit.Most people know that dust mites are an allergy trigger (and a yucky one at that!). But did you know that cockroaches can also be behind all that itching and sneezing? It may require a little extra effort in the house-cleaning department (washing dishes and taking out the garbage daily), but it can be worth it. You should also store food (including pet food) in sealed containers, fix leaky faucets and pipes, and block cracks and crevices where roaches can enter.
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4. It may be the cause of your child’s ear infection.Prolonged sinus congestion from hay fever can result in other complications, such as sinusitis (an infection or inflammation of the membrane that lines the sinuses). In children, it can often lead to middle ear infection (otitis media).
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5. You can be molded into it.Mold is often overlooked as a potential hay fever trigger. To limit your exposure, use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity, especially in the basement and in other damp places. Empty and clean it often. Clean your bathrooms, kitchen and basement regularly, and if you do find mold, use a mild detergent and a 5% bleach solution (if ok’d by an allergist).
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6. The nose leads the way to treatment.According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, intranasal corticosteroids (nasal sprays) are the single most effective drug class for treating allergic rhinitis. They are great for reducing nasal congestion as well as sneezing, itching and a runny nose, and don’t cause the usual side effects that often come with medicines taken by mouth or injection. Ask your doctor if these are the best choice for you.
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7. It will likely be a thing of the past.Although hay fever can begin at any age, you're most likely to develop it during childhood or early adulthood. The good (or not so good) news is that, often, the severity of reactions to hay fever changes over the years. And the really good news? For most, hay fever symptoms diminish slowly over time—though (sorry!), it may take decades.
7 Things You Didn't Know About Hay Fever
