by Jennifer Kennedy

Created on: May 08, 2008

Hayfever is a seasonal allergy, the trigger for this allergy is pollen, however pollen is only around for a certain amount of time per year, (spring and summer) pollen is produced by trees, grass and weeds.

Pollen is a small grain which comes from plants and can be carried by wind or insects, once pollen is in the air it can then come into contact with the lungs, eyes, nose and skin, this is what causes the allergic reaction (Hayfever).

The reaction will cause symptoms such as itchy red eyes, sneezing, itchy palate,throat and ears, although these symptoms are not serious, they are really annoying and the effect that they can have on someones day to day life is unbelievable.

A person who has a pollen allergy can either have a spring time allergy or a summer time allergy.

The spring time allergy is usually caused by tree pollen, symptoms can start as early as January and continue until April depending on the climate and the area where the person lives. Tree pollen can cause a severe allergy, the worst trees are Oak, Olive, Elm, Birch, Ash and Hickory.

A summer time allergy is usually caused by grass pollen, the symptoms will occur around the early spring time and continue until the late summer. However symptoms can vary from day to day depending on the pollen count which is usually highest in the morning from around 5am until about 10am. The pollen count is usually broadcast on television during the weather forecast, so it could be worth taking a look.

There are different sorts of pollen that a person could be allergic to, however it is simple to find to exactly which pollen it is, simply by doing an allergy test which is provided by an allergist, the test will either be a blood test or a skin test.

It is quite hard to avoid pollen, as you cant stay locked indoors all summer, but there are ways that you can make this allergy slightly more bearable, basically you need to try to avoid pollen were possible.

Keep windows closed to stop pollen getting into your home.
Stay indoors from 5am - 10am.
Keep car windows closed while traveling.
Avoid cutting the grass.
Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Try to avoid hanging washing outdoors as it will be full of pollen when brought in.

There are certain medications used in the treatment of Hayfever which the GP will be able to advise the best medication to take, usually antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops are prescribed, although some people may only need one form of medication while others will need more than one, it depends on the severity of your allergy.

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