Hay fever affects millions of people around the world every year. And one of the most common and prolific triggers is grass pollen. Because climate is regional, so is pollen’s arrival. But whenever grass pollen shows up in your town, knowing the answers to the following frequently asked questions will help you cope.
What is Hay Fever? It is a pollen allergy that is triggered by tree, grass or weed pollen. Once inhaled, the body reacts with a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, watery eyes and other symptoms which can make the allergy sufferer so miserable. Reacting with these symptoms is commonly referred to as allergic rhinitis.
How can you tell whether you’re allergic to grass pollen or to something else? The best way to determine what triggers your allergies is to see an allergist. You will be given a skin test for a variety of allergens and they will be able to tell you whether your allergies result from a one particular allergen, or a combination of allergens which is more often the case.
Can Hay Fever be the result of an allergic reaction to something other than grass pollen? Yes, it can not only be an allergic reaction to pollen from not only grass, but trees, and weeds or a combination.
When is Hay Fever Season? Depending on what you are allergic to, the season starts in early spring will tree pollen, continues in spring and summer with grass pollen, and on through summer and late fall with weed pollen.
Are there any medications that can provide relief? Yes, there are several approaches that medicines take. One type minimizes the symptoms once they are occurring (antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants), and the other type minimizes your body’s sensitivity to the triggers (leukotriene modifiers and Cromolyn sodium) therefore reducing the reaction and the symptoms which would normally follow. The best plan is to see an allergist who will create a plan that best suits your overall health and the severity of your condition.
Are there any newer treatments on the horizon? Grazax, a once a day tablet that was developed in England several years ago, is being used for children age 5-17 in England and Canada who suffer with severe hay fever. Its 2 prong approach works to not only control symptoms, but sensitivity to the allergen. There have been studies done here in the States, but the drug, as of this date, does not have FDA approval.
Can a HEPA air purifier really be effective in removing pollen? High efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifiers are extremely efficient in eliminating pollen because by definition they are designed to remove airborne particulates down to .3 microns. Tree, grass and weed pollens range from 2 to 100 microns in size, so they are easily trapped by a filter whose openings are only .3 microns. In addition, these cleaners can also trap other household pollutants that often combine to exacerbate hay fever such as household dust, mold and mildew spores, and pet dander.
