Hay fever
Symptoms
- Piercing, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Blocked nose
Diagnostics
Diagnosis by an allergist
Treatment
- Antihistamines
- Eye drops
What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. A common allergic reaction to pollen, the fine powder that plants release during their reproductive cycle, hay fever occurs at certain times of the year, usually in summer, causing eye irritation and inflammation.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
- Watery, watery or red eyes;
- Sneezing;
- Blocked or dripping nose;
- Congestion in the back of the throat, nose, ears.
In some people, the proteins in pollen can cause irritation and inflammation of the eyes, nose, throat and sinuses. This can cause discomfort and even frustration, as it interferes with the enjoyment of warm, sunny days when pollen levels are highest.
These symptoms make hay fever a problem for contact lens wearers. If your eyes become red, irritated and watery, your vision through contact lenses can become blurry and less clear, not to mention prolonged wear.
What causes hay fever?
Allergic rhinitis occurs when your body’s immune system reacts to an airborne irritant. The irritants (allergens) are so small that you can easily inhale them through your nose or mouth. Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you have hay fever, your immune system tries to protect your body by releasing natural chemicals into your bloodstream. Seasonal and perennial allergies can be caused by many allergens:
- Pollen from trees, weeds, grasses;
- Dust mites;
- Mould spores.
How is hay fever diagnosed?
Only an allergist can diagnose and treat hay fever. If you get a cold around the same time of year and start to runny nose, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, it could be a sign that you have hay fever. It is advisable not to self-treat, but to see your nose, ear and throat doctor, who will refer you to an allergist if necessary.
Non-prescription products:
- Antihistamines;
- Nasal spray;
- Eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses:
- To reduce irritation, use eye drops suitable for contact lens wearers;
- Wear glasses if you feel discomfort in your eyes;
- Ask your eye care professional about daily disposable lenses.
What help is available?
You can alleviate the symptoms of hay fever by avoiding stimuli as much as possible. To reduce symptoms:
- Keep track of your daily pollen count so you can take the necessary precautions;
- If possible, avoid going outdoors on days with high pollen levels;
- In spring, summer and early autumn, when pollen counts are higher, close the windows in your home and car;
- Use filters for your vacuum cleaner and air conditioner to reduce allergens in the air;
- Avoid drying laundry outside;
- When you get home from outdoors, take a shower and change your clothes;
- Wash your hands often, especially after playing with pets;
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen when you are outside. Change your clothes as soon as you go indoors.
Take care of your eyes!
Visit your nearest Optikos pasaulio showroom or register for an ophthalmologist consultation at Familia Clinica in Vilnius (Nemenčinės pl. 4D) and get a 15% discount with your Optikos pasaulio loyalty card.
Frequently asked questions
How long does hay fever last?
Hay fever occurs at the same time each year and lasts as long as the allergen is in the air (usually 2-3 weeks per allergen).
How do I know if I have a cold or hay fever?
Colds and hay fever have similar symptoms. One of the emic differences is the colour of nasal discharge. If you have hay fever, it will be clear.
When does the hay fever season start?
The hay fever season can start as early as January and end in November (tree pollen from January to May; grass pollen from May to July; weed pollen from June to November).
