Allergic rhinitis, more commonly referred to as hay fever, is a condition affecting the eyes, nose, and mouth in various ways, and contrary to what the name may make you think, it does not necessarily have anything to do with hay.
So, whether you suffer from hay fever in the summer but show no signs of the condition in the cooler months or always react badly to areas with higher-than-average pollen counts no matter the season, this article is for you.
Here are four pieces of helpful advice for managing hay fever.
Teach Yourself the Common Hay Fever Triggers
First and foremost, now you know you are allergic to certain pollens and irritants in the air, it makes sense to learn all about the main triggers for hay fever, which are as follows:
- Pet fur (specifically dogs, cats, and rabbits)
- Tree pollen (especially in early spring)
- Spores fallen from both indoor and outdoor fungi
- Cockroach droppings and dust mites
- Grass pollen (especially in summer)
Prescription Antihistamines
Perhaps one of the more common ways of managing signs and symptoms of a breakout of hay fever is to contact your doctor and see if any forms of antihistamine are available on prescription.
It is absolutely essential not to source prescription antihistamines from friends or family members, as just like any other drug, taking something without your doctor’s approval could cause an adverse reaction against other medication you regularly take.
Should you find a form of antihistamine that both suits your body and seems to reduce flare-ups, check out Chemist Click for a smooth and speedy order and delivery system for scheduled monthly orders of your chosen medication.
Be Aware of the Risk Factors
As important as it is to know what causes hay fever, it is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the various risk factors that can aggravate it and even make you more likely to develop hay fever in the future.
If you are a person who already lives with asthma or another allergy of some kind, for example, a problem digesting gluten, or a skin condition that means you develop patches of itchy, red skin and have been diagnosed with psoriasis or eczema, you may be more susceptible to flare-ups.
Other factors that can aggravate hay fever include if you have a parent or grandparent who struggles with hay fever or did so in the past, if you work or live in such an environment where you are consistently exposed to dust mites or air with a high pollen content, or if you smoke.
Work to Improve Factors to Avoid Complications
The fourth and final piece of advice for those living with hay fever is to make sure you get enough sleep every night, as when you are tired, your immune system is not performing at its highest level.
Additionally, if you also have asthma, you need to always carry your inhaler with you, as hay fever can be triggered by the same kind of things as asthma.
