About Hay fever and allergic rhinitis
Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, generally results from airborne substances such as pollen that tend to easily enter the human body through the nose, sinus, throat and eyes, into the upper respiratory system where it forces the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies release histamine, the main culprit, which irritates the nasal passages, producing typical hay fever symptoms.
The name hay fever is highly misleading, because symptoms occur all year round and not particularly in the autumn months when hay is gathered; moreover, it never includes fever. Most common of all allergic diseases, almost 15% of the world population suffers from this condition. Symptoms mostly appear in childhood first and then lessen as they age but this may not always be the case. It occurs all year round and may be caused by things such as house dust mites and pets. However, the predominant allergens keep changing from time to time.
Causes and symptoms of hay fever
Any substance can cause an allergy but hay fever is primarily caused by proteins. Commonly, hay fever is the direct result of an allergic person coming in repeated contact with plant protein. Flowering plants rarely cause allergies, however, the common trees, grasses, and weeds produce extremely small, light, dry protein particles which are called pollen. Spread by wind, these pollen particles are the male sex cells of the plant that are exceptionally minute in nature.
Although, usually invisible when airborne, pollen is a potent allergy stimulator. It has a tendency to lodge itself in the nasal lining tissues (also called the mucus membranes) as well as in other parts of the respiratory tract where it instigates allergic responses that can sometimes be serious. Since, a tendency to suffer allergies is often hereditary; an individuals genetic makeup programmes him to be allergic, mostly from birth. The most common causes of hay fever are:
Tree pollen such as elder, elm, hazel and birch (spring)
Grass pollen (summer)
Mugwort and hybrids such as chrysanthemum (autumn)
House dust mites and mould fungus
Symptoms of hay fever generally include:
Nasal congestion
Clear runny nose
Sneezing
Itching of the nose and eyes
Excessive tear production
Postnasal drip that may result in cough
Loss of the sense of smell
Occasional loss of sense of taste
Nose bleeds in severe conditions
Allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the white portion of the eyes)
These allergic symptoms may sometimes become severe to an extent where they start to interfere with a persons quality of life as well as overall health.
Hay fever bands
Hay fever bands are eco-friendly and are particularly liked by people who are health conscious and prefer to stay away from prescription medications as far as possible. This is a 100% safe and a viable alternative method that helps treat the condition without consuming drugs or chemicals.
A hay fever band uses the popular acupressure technique, embracing traditional Chinese healing methods to provide complete natural relief from the symptoms of hay fever. This band can be conveniently used by both adults and children over 3 years of age. Since, it is completely natural, the hay fever band does not cause drowsiness or have any kind of side-effects. Hay fever bands are completely drug free.
Pollen allergy
Plants produce pollen in order to reproduce. Plain-looking plants produce pollen that is generally responsible for causing allergic reactions. Unfortunately, too much pollen in the air can cause problems if you are sensitive to it.
Pollen allergy is most commonly caused by germinating plants like juniper and birch trees, as well as flowers, grass, grains, and common weeds like ragweed. If you shake a plant in germination, the cloud of powder that appears is the pollen that is capable of causing allergies.
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