Have you got a stuffy nose and teary eyes? Are you sneezing too frequently? It might just be hay fever. This article explains what it's all about and offers some preventive measures for this type of illness.
Allergic rhinitis- commonly known as hay fever- is an inflammatory reaction that occurs due to the presence of an allergen in the nasal cavity. These allergens are frequently floating objects such as pollen. Other allergens that can generate this inflammatory reaction are dust particles, smoke, mold, pet hair, and other foreign particles.
Preventive Measures
It is quite common knowledge that the prevention of any disease is better than curing it. Preventing hay fever is very simple, as the best way to avoid it is to keep off the causative agents. Here are simple measures to avoid getting hay fever.
Pollen- your first enemy
If you live in an area where there are abundant plants that produce pollen, it's in your best interest to stay all the time indoors. Install air conditioners to tackle the problem of heat and always shut your doors and windows to prevent these allergens from finding a place in your home. This measure should be adhered to strictly in homes where some babies and children are allergic to this powdery substance.
Eliminating other allergens
No matter the barriers you put, you cannot stop everything, so the next step must be an active one, and this is to eliminate allergens. It is essential to mention that you will never be able to eradicate everything that produces rhinitis; however, its effect will reduce if you strive to eliminate it as much as possible. Some of the ways to do this are:
- Using dehumidifiers in case of allergy to mold and mites and humidifiers for pollen allergy.
- Regular hand washing after touching an animal or exterior surface where pollen or dust may have landed.
- Frequent changing of clothes when you get home. Use anti-mite sheets and bedding to eliminate and prevent them from living in them.
Hang your clothes inside
Hanging your clothes inside your house during times you suspect high pollen count may be a good idea. It prevents you from using your own hands to bring pollen to your bedroom.
Lessen garden work
Working in the garden all day, especially on holidays might be much fun. However, it's in your best interest to minimize your frequent visits to the garden during spring and summer because you're very much likely to catch this fever during these times. During your visit to the garden, you should wear a quality face mask to prevent inhaling dust particles.
Reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Consuming alcoholic beverages worsens the symptoms of hay fever as they typically contain histamine - a potent inflammatory agent.