Hay fever

Hay fever: symptoms, causes and treatments

Hay fever is an allergic disease that is caused by plant pollen and is manifested by a runny nose, lacrimation and itching in the eyes, and sometimes an attack of bronchial asthma. The disease is seasonal and occurs during the flowering period of plants, when the air contains a large amount of pollen. Typically, mass diseases are caused by pollen of wind-pollinated plants, which has special allergenic properties and has a diameter of no more than 35 microns.

The pollen of the ragweed weed has the most powerful allergenic properties. For the disease to manifest, on average, about 40-50 grains of pollen are needed, but sometimes 3-5 grains of pollen on the mucous membrane of the nose or conjunctiva of the eyes is enough. Each climatic and geographical region is dominated by its own plant species, the pollen of which is the most common cause of hay fever. In the central regions of the European part of our country, these are meadow grasses - meadow timothy, cocksfoot, and meadow fescue. In the Krasnodar and Stavropol territories - ambrosia; in Kazakhstan - wormwood and wild hemp; in Uzbekistan - cotton, plane tree, walnut; in Georgia - plane tree, some cereal grasses, ambrosia.

Although the majority of plant pollen is found in the air of rural areas, it is mainly city dwellers who suffer from hay fever. This is associated with greater air pollution in cities: dust and various chemicals contained in the air of cities cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and increase their permeability to pollen.

Symptoms of hay fever may vary depending on the individual's sensitivity to pollen and the degree of air pollution. The most common symptoms include runny nose, congestion, itchy and irritated eyes, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing and choking. Some patients may also experience fatigue, irritability and headache.

The main method of treating hay fever is to reduce the body's sensitivity to the pollen that causes it - hyposensitization, which is carried out by an allergist in an allergology office. Before carrying out hyposensitization, the doctor, using skin tests and other studies, determines the type of pollen that causes the development of the disease. Hyposensitization is carried out by introducing the allergen into the body in small doses, gradually increasing them so that the body gets used to the allergen and stops reacting to it.

In addition, antihistamines, eye and nasal drops, glucocorticosteroids and bronchodilators in case of an attack of bronchial asthma can be used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever. In severe cases, hospitalization and a course of glucocorticosteroid injections may be required.

In addition to treatment, there are also preventive measures that help reduce the risk of hay fever. During the flowering period of plants that cause hay fever, it is recommended to prevent pollen from getting into the eyes and respiratory tract. For this purpose, you can wear a gauze bandage and special safety glasses on your face. It is also recommended to avoid staying outside during the flowering period, ventilate rooms in the evening and at night, when the amount of pollen in the air is lower, and remove pollen from yourself by taking a shower and changing clothes.

Overall, hay fever is a serious condition that can seriously affect patients' quality of life. However, thanks to modern treatments and preventative measures, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing the disease and manage its symptoms. If you suspect you have hay fever, consult an allergist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

**Hay fever** is an allergic disease that occurs as a result of contact with allergens from house dust, plants or certain animals. A person suffering from hay fever exhibits specific sensitivity to several types of plants. The onset of the disease usually begins in the summer and continues in the spring, when plants begin to bloom. In some cases, the disease is limited to a condition called hay fever (10-20% of cases), while in others it takes the form of bronchial asthma (25-35%). In some cases, intolerance to house dust mites may be noted. Epidermal allergens from feathers in pillows and down-feather products are widespread in the country. There are forms of hay fever accompanied by allergic enteritis in the spring and summer.