What causes a Hay fever?

Hay fever is caused by different allergens in the environment which can be indoors or outside. It has nothing to do with an allergy to food.  A few of the factors which lead to allergies are:

• House dust

House dust includes house dust mites, hair, smoke, dirt, fibers, mold spores, pollen grains, insects, the hair and skin of pets (called dander), as well as saliva and poo of insects, mites, and pets.

• Pets

Some people are allergic to pets like dogs and cats. The allergens are found in the animal's fur. 

• Fungi

Fungi release allergenic spores in large amounts both indoors and outdoors. It is found indoors in the kitchen and bathroom or other damp places.

• Pollens

Pollens are produced by trees, grasses, flowers, and other plants. The pollen season varies depending on where you live, but it can last for months. The best way to avoid pollen is to stay inside when pollen counts are high.

• Other exposures

This includes different forms such as fumes, dust, vapors, and gases, or different types such as chlorine or wood dust.

Risk factors and complications of Hay fever?

Risk factors for developing hay fever:

• allergies or asthma
• atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• hereditary
• surroundings that constantly exposes you to allergens — such as animals or dust mites

Complications

Complications related to hay fever include:

Hay fever can interfere with your normal activities and cause you to be less productive and reduce your quality of life. For many, hay fever symptoms lead to absences from work or school.

Hay fever leads to disturbed sleep or makes it hard to stay asleep, which can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Hay fever can worsen asthma, and make it very uncomfortable for the patient such as coughing and wheezing.

Persistent sinus congestion due to hay fever may increase one's chances to sinusitis — an infection or inflammation of the membrane that lines the sinuses.

In children, hay fever often leads to a middle ear infection.

How do you know you have a Hay fever?

Symptoms commonly include:

• runny nose
• nasal congestion
• itchy nose
• itchy skin
• sneezing
• coughing
• postnasal drip
• watery, red, or itchy eyes
• itchy throat or roof of the mouth
• sinus pressure and pain

Symptoms may become long-term if hay fever is untreated.

Hay fever diagnosis and treatment 

The mucus in your body starts to solidify when you have an infection due to the existence of a virus or bacteria. The type of mucus being produced can help the doctor tell the difference between a hay fever cough and an infection. If you have thin mucus, conflicting to thick mucus that is difficult to cough up, allergies are usually to blame.

A hay fever cough usually isn't infectious, but it can be uncomfortable and irritate a patient's throat. This causes it to feel itchy and uncomfortable. There are many ways to deal with a hay fever cough to help the patient feel better.

The cough can be cured with medications or home remedies. If one knows what allergens make him/her cough, one can easily avoid them. Stay inside on the days when pollen counts are very high. Change your clothes and wash your hair and body after coming back from work can also help to reduce hay fever. If home remedies aren't effective, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

Where to get treatment for Hay Fever online?

Many people experience discomfort as a result of an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollens are released into the air at different times of the year depending on the season.

The Online Clinic will be able to prescribe hay fever remedies online after the completion of a consultation form. The medical details that patients submit are reviewed by a doctor, and a list of appropriate treatments and medicine will be made available to the patient.

Ways to prevent Hay Fever

Since hay fever is an allergy, simple precautions can reduce the discomfort. In fact, the more you are able to reduce contact with the substance that triggers the allergy (which in this case is the pollen), the less you will experience the symptoms. Wearing sunglasses, closing the windows and avoiding indoor plants or cutting grass can all help you to feel a reduction in symptoms.