Hay fever: the 'misery' season
Most people look forward to the warm and sunny weather, but there are many - and it is thought that in Britain this means about ten million people - who do not; spring heralds for them months of violent sneezing with itchy, sore eyes.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever - seasonal allergic rhinitis - is usually related to temporary environmental allergens such as pollens and spores. It is the commonest allergic condition in most communities, affecting anywhere from 20 to 30 per cent of the population, and it is said to be the commonest allergic disorder on a worldwide basis.
The symptoms and signs are the same in perennial allergic rhinitis cases, which can be a year-long problem, but these are related to the house dust mite or pets.
How are children affected?
Infants and children, mostly over the age of five, are particularly affected by the consequences of hay fever. Nasal obstruction often leads to poor concentration, hearing difficulties, a cough that may be worse at night and in the morning, poor appetite and growth and disturbed sleeping patterns - like having a permanent 'head cold'. As about a third of people affected develop it before the age of ten, this involves a lot of children. Allergies run in families, and are more common in children who have asthma or eczema. It is also more common to see the problem in children that are exposed to second-hand smoke, air pollution and pets.
Symptoms
Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) is the commonest feature, because the inhaled allergens (pollens, etc) are trapped by the natural mucus and filter system of the nose. This reaction encourages the release of a chemical (histamine), which then causes more blocking by swelling the nose linings. A continued exposure to these pollen-allergens alters the nasal sensitivity, so that eventually even smaller quantities of the same allergens can cause ongoing symptoms.
Sneezing is a very prominent feature, accompanied by itching and watery eyes - as well as, on occasions, photophobia (intolerance of light) and intense itching of the nose.
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