What is hay fever?
Hay fever is a common form of allergic reaction. It is also known as allergic rhinitis where rhinitis comes from rhino meaning nose and itis meaning inflammatory. Hay fever in laymans terms can be described as inflammation of the nose caused by an allergic reaction. The other parts of the body affected by hay fever include eyes, sinuses, throat and ears. Many times hay fever is mistaken for common cold because it is marked by cold like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion and sinus pressure. However, unlike cold which is caused by a virus, hay fever is caused by an allergic response to indoor or outdoor airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. In some people hay fever may also be triggered by pollution such as cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes.
There are two categories of hay fever or allergic rhinitis -
Seasonal hay fever A large number of people are affected by seasonal hay fever that occurs during spring, summer, and in early fall mainly because of the high levels of pollens present in the atmosphere during these seasons.
Perennial hay fever People who experience hay fever all year round are said to be suffering from perennial hay fever.
Hay fever symptoms
Hay fever symptoms vary from person to person. While some people are fortunate to have only mild symptoms that do not last long, some hay fever victims are severely affected and show symptoms every day during the pollen season. In such cases, people may have difficulty attending school or work.
Common hay fever symptoms include - stuffy or runny nose, itchy nose, throat, or ear canals, sneezing, watery red eyes and ear congestion.
Less common hay fever symptoms include - inability to taste or smell food, 'nasal' voice, face pain, sweats, and headache.
Asthma symptoms some people may also experience shortness of breath, especially with exercise or exertion, coughing and wheezing. Symptoms can worsen in people who already have asthma.
Medicine used for the treatment of hay fever
Anti-histamine medicines are commonly used for the treatment of hay fever this is because symptoms are caused due the release of a chemical in the body called histamine in response to the allergen. Anti- inflammatory drugs and decongestants may also be given to relieve patients of the symptoms. A doctor may suggest stronger prescription drugs in severe cases of hay fever.
These days, many people who are constantly affected by hay fever are going in for drug-free alternate therapies such as Qu-Chi bands. Based on the Chinese knowledge of acupressure, the Qu-Chi band provides fast relief from hay fever as it works directly on the acupressure points that relieve hay fever symptoms. Since it is natural, Qu-Chi band does not cause any side effects. The band is easy to wear and can be worn when the symptoms start or as a preventive measure when the symptoms are about to start so that fast and effective hay fever treatment becomes possible. The Qu-Chi band can be used round the year; it can be safely used in conjunction with other medications also.
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