Hay fever

Hay fever is one of the many allergies that exist. With hay fever, complaints arise as a result of the pollen from certain types of grass, plants and trees. Another name for pollen is so-called pollen. The complaints arise when pollen gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, throat or windpipe. As a result, the mucous membranes will thicken, causing them to produce a greater amount of mucus. Hay fever can be very annoying, but in itself it is not harmful. The complaints will therefore disappear automatically as soon as the pollen is removed from the air. has disappeared.

How do I recognize hay fever?

There are many different complaints that can be the result of hay fever. Some of these complaints include:

• An itchy nose;
• A stuffy nose;
• Itchy eyes;
• Sneezing and tears;
• A dry throat with sometimes an annoying cough;
• A feeling of fullness in the head;
• Fatigue;
• Wheezing sound when breathing;

The above symptoms can occur with hay fever, but are of course not exclusive to this condition. It is therefore always important to take into account that they can also be the result of, for example, another allergy. Consider, for example, people who are allergic to house dust mites or cats, for example. Finding out the cause of your complaints is very important to ensure that they can be prevented in the future or can be treated in the most efficient way.

Can I do something about it myself?

There is nothing you can do to cure hay fever. However, by taking various points into account, you can drastically reduce the impact of pollen on your allergy. Some important tips in this area are the following:

• During sunny and windy days there is usually a fair amount of pollen in the air. Stay indoors as much as possible during these days to prevent complaints. In addition, keep the windows in your home tightly closed.
• Do not let your laundry dry outdoors when there is a lot of pollen in the air. This is how they end up in your laundry.
• Always wear sunglasses when you go outside;
• Do not mow the lawn yourself;

Would you like to have to take your hay fever into account as little as possible during your holiday? In that case, it is advisable to book a holiday to the mountains or to the sea. Traditionally, much less pollen can be found in the air here than inland.

Which medications are used for hay fever?

There are various medications on the market that can somewhat (or significantly) alleviate the effects of hay fever. Antihistamines can be used for people who are sporadically confronted with the symptoms of hay fever. This medication does not need to be used daily. Its use can be limited to the days on which you are actually bothered by your hay fever. In case of intense complaints, it is recommended in practice to use other medications.

For people who often suffer from hay fever complaints, it is recommended to use corticosteroids. A prescription from your GP is required for this medicine. Keep in mind that these medications only start working after a few days. The nasal spray should also be used daily for at least 4 weeks. Do the complaints persist or do you have the feeling that they are getting worse? Then don't hesitate to visit your doctor!