It is known by a few names. Seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis, hay fever. Every year, around the same time, people start to experience symptoms such as a runny and congested nose, itchy and watery eyes, and more.
“They are caused by exposure to pollens from trees, grasses, or wheat,” explained Dr. Stanley Enebeli, a Medical Health Officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority for the Weyburn and Estevan areas. “This pollen exposure can trigger various allergic reactions.”
The allergy symptoms come as the body’s immune system overreacts to the presence of the pollen in the body. The warmer seasons typically see higher pollen counts in the air, which leads to the symptoms starting to show, and for those who have respiratory conditions such as asthma, the higher pollen concentrations can trigger asthma episodes.
Doctor Enebeli noted there are a few things that can be done to prevent the allergic reaction to the pollen. This includes limiting time outdoors when the pollen count is high, as well as not touching your eyes while outside, and then washing your hands before touching your eyes while indoors.
“You also would want to shower after being outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair, and you also want to consider changing your clothes after being outdoors,” Dr. Enebeli added.
Once the symptoms do start to show up, they can be very annoying, while not always being too serious. The runny nose, as well as the itchy and watery eyes, can be alleviated with some home treatment. A warm shower was one recommendation, as well as staying very hydrated to help loosen any mucus that is in the nose. As well, over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines can help, along with things like intranasal corticosteroids. However, there can be a time when seeing a doctor is important.
“If home treatment doesn’t help, or if you do experience severe symptoms like nosebleeds, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty with breathing, then please, go see your healthcare provider,” Dr. Enebeli said.
With the conditions that can trigger the higher pollen counts, which in turn trigger the symptoms, being seasonal, it is expected the possibility for hay fever to continue to affect people for at least a little while longer.