Hay Fever : Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Hay fever or allergic rhinitis,or pollenosis as in Wikipedia is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways. It occurs when an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system, and triggers antibody production. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. Symptoms vary in severity between individuals. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes.

The usual symptoms of hay fever include the following:

.Sneezing
.Runny nose (clear, thin discharge)
.Congested ("stuffy") nose
.Postnasal drip
.Sensation of plugged ear(s)
.Watery, bloodshot eyes
.Itching of nose, soft palate, ear canal, eyes, and/or skin
.Fatigue
.Trouble sleeping

If you find out that you're allergic to allergens such as tree, grass or weed pollens,beginning medication before the season starts is often the answer.Hay fever does not always require medical treatment. Home remedies will not have side effects on your health and you will recover in a matter of few days.

. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Include vitamin C in your diet. Avoid flour, sugar, salt and dairy products for one week. Drink plenty of filtered water and herbal tea. Eat good quality protein.

. Do not go out early in the morning or late in the evening. At this time pollen count in air is comparatively more.

. Reducing or quitting smoking and stay away from people smoking as the smoke might be an allergen.

. Chamomile is an excellent hay fever remedy. Chamomile oil can be smeared onto a tissue and inhaled or chamomile tea is known to help as one of the beneficial hay fever cures.

. Gargle with warm salt water, 1-2 tablespoons of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water, to soothe a mildly sore throat.

. Steam inhalation is also help. Mixing a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot warm and inhaling the steam is known to lessen the severity of the conditions.

. Application of petroleum jelly around the edge of your nostrils reduces the amount of pollen getting through.

. Take nonprescription antihistamines such as Benadryl to relieve symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy throat and eyes.

. For stuffy nose, a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant such as Actifed may work better.

. Pets are often a source of pollen allergies. Make sure you give them a bath every few days.

. Live in a clean and tidy environment. Your house should be free of dust and dirt at all times. The windows and doors should be closed most times of the day. The air conditioning system should be cleaned as well.

In case, the allergy gets serious or incurable, consult a physician as soon as possible.


~Source:emedicinehealth.com~