Hay fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to seasonal pollen.

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to seasonal pollen. It presents with a clear, watery nasal discharge, itching and sneezing. It often also affects the eyes, causing red, watery and itchy eyes. Sufferers should take note of the pollen calendar and current reports in order to avoid contact with the triggers as best as possible.

Symptoms

Rhinitis
- "Sniffles" (clear, watery discharge)
- Sneezing
- Itching
Eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Feeling of something in your eye
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Watery eyes

Causes and treatment

Causes

Genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases (atopic tendency)
- Sufferers often also have asthma and neurodermatitis
Triggers for allergic rhinitis
- Pollen (seasonal, true hay fever)
- Animal hair, mould fungi, house dust mites, food (all year round)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Skin allergy test
Blood test (antibodies)

Possible therapies

Avoidance of trigger
Nasal irrigation with salt water
Antihistamine
Nasal spray containing cortisone, if necessary (anti-inflammatory)
Specific immunotherapy (hyposensitisation, “allergy vaccination”)

What can I do myself?

Measures during pollen season (exposure prevention)
- Take note of pollen calendar and current reports
- Take account of daytime fluctuations
- Don't do outdoor sports during “high pollen season”, if necessary
- Regularly wash your hair at night and don't take off your street clothes in the bedroom
- Air rooms only briefly
Cooling of swollen eyes
Don’t smoke

When to see a doctor?

Symptoms constantly grow worse and more burdensome (adjust treatment)
- Impacts your well-being, performance and productivity
To enquire about immunotherapy
Severe allergic reaction
- Skin rash
- Shortness of breath, throat tightness
- Cold sweats
- Agitation
- Field of vision “blacks out”