Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergies worldwide. Millions of people suffer from the annoying symptoms every year, which mainly occur in the spring and summer months. But what exactly is behind the complaints, how do the symptoms manifest themselves, and what can sufferers do to relieve the symptoms? In this article, we take a detailed look at the topic of hay fever symptoms.
What is hay fever and how does it arise?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction of the immune system to pollen from trees, grasses and herbs. In those affected, the immune system classifies these actually harmless substances as dangerous and overreacts. This leads to an overproduction of histamine and other messenger substances that are responsible for the typical symptoms.
The symptoms occur seasonally because the pollen production of plants is highest in certain months of the year:
- Spring: Pollen from trees such as birch, alder or hazel.
- Summer: grasses such as rye or timothy.
- Autumn: herbs such as mugwort or ragweed.
Typical symptoms of hay fever
The symptoms of hay fever are varied and can vary in intensity from person to person. They generally affect the respiratory tract, the eyes and, in some cases, the skin. Here are the most common signs:
1. Nasal complaints:
- Sneezing: Frequent, uncontrollable sneezing, often in series.
- Runny nose: A watery, clear secretion runs almost continuously from the nose.
- Stuffy nose: The nasal mucous membranes swell, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
- Itchy nose: A constant tingling or itching sensation in the nose that can be very uncomfortable.
2. Eye problems:
- Red eyes: The eyes appear red and irritated.
- Itchy eyes: Severe itching that often leads to rubbing of the eyes, which can make the symptoms worse.
- Watery eyes: The eyes produce increased amounts of tears, which can impair vision.
- Swollen eyelids: Allergic reactions can cause the eyelids to swell.
3. Respiratory problems:
- Cough: A dry cough or a scratchy feeling in the throat due to irritated mucous membranes.
- Shortness of breath: In severe cases, hay fever can narrow the airways and cause shortness of breath. This may be an indication of allergic asthma.
- Wheezing: Also known as “wheezing,” this is often a sign of lower respiratory tract involvement.
4. Skin symptoms:
- Itching: Itchy spots often appear on the skin.
- Hives or eczema: Some people develop what is known as hives or eczema in connection with hay fever.
5. General symptoms:
- Fatigue: The constant stress caused by the symptoms can lead to fatigue and concentration problems.
- Headaches: Headaches can be caused especially by a blocked nose.
- Irritability: The constant discomfort can have a negative impact on your mood.
Diagnosis of hay fever
The symptoms of hay fever can easily be confused with a cold. One key difference: hay fever occurs seasonally and does not cause fever. To be sure, a doctor should make an accurate diagnosis. Common methods are:
- Anamnesis: The doctor asks the patient about his symptoms and when they occurred.
- Allergy test: A prick test or a blood test can show which pollen triggers the symptoms.
- Nasal swab: In some cases, a swab is taken to detect inflammatory cells.
How can hay fever symptoms be relieved?
Although hay fever cannot be cured, there are many measures that can help control the symptoms and improve well-being:
1. Avoid pollen:
- Keep windows closed during pollen season, especially in the mornings and evenings when pollen counts are highest.
- Use pollen screens on windows.
- Shower in the evening to remove pollen from your hair and skin.
- Do not dry laundry outdoors as pollen may settle on it.
2. Medications:
- Antihistamines: These relieve the allergic reaction and reduce symptoms such as sneezing and itching.
- Nasal sprays: Decongestant or anti-allergic nasal sprays help with a blocked nose.
- Eye drops: Antiallergic eye drops can reduce itching and redness of the eyes.
- Cortisone: In severe cases, preparations containing cortisone may be prescribed.
3. Hyposensitization:
Specific immunotherapy can make the immune system less sensitive to pollen in the long term. This is done by repeatedly administering small amounts of the allergen over a period of several years.
4. Home remedies and natural approaches:
- Inhalation with salt water: Soothes the mucous membranes.
- Nasal rinses: Remove pollen from the nose and reduce mucous membrane irritation.
- Quercetin: This natural active ingredient found in foods such as onions and apples is said to have anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Lifestyle adjustments:
- A balanced diet and regular exercise strengthen the immune system.
- Stress management through yoga or meditation can have a positive effect on symptoms.
Probiotics: Supporting a healthy microbiome
Probiotics, i.e. preparations containing live microorganisms, can play a supportive role in relieving hay fever symptoms. Studies show that the microbiome - the totality of microorganisms in the gut - plays an important role in the immune system. A balanced microbiome can help regulate allergic reactions by supporting the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune cells.
Some probiotic bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus paracasei LP33 and GMNL-133 , have been linked in studies to a reduction in hay fever symptoms such as nasal itching and nasal congestion. Probiotics can:
- Modulate the immune response to pollen.
- Reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes.
- Strengthen general well-being, as a healthy intestinal flora is closely linked to the function of the immune system.
It is worth taking probiotics over a longer period of time, as their effect is often only noticeable after a few weeks. They can be used in addition to other measures such as antihistamines or nasal rinses to support the immune system from within.
Conclusion: Take hay fever seriously and act proactively
Hay fever symptoms can significantly affect the quality of life, but they do not have to be passively accepted. With the right diagnosis, effective treatment methods and preventative measures, sufferers can significantly reduce the burden and enjoy the pollen season in a more relaxed manner.
Remember: everyone reacts differently to pollen. An individualized treatment approach in collaboration with an allergist can be the key to getting the best possible control of hay fever.
