由 home-healthhaven 
If you struggle with hay fever, you know it can affect your performance at school or work and interfere with your daily tasks. But what are the symptoms of hay fever, and how can you manage them to minimize its impact on your life? Let’s dive into the details of hay fever and help you identify if you’re a sufferer.
### Symptoms of Hay Fever
Hay fever symptoms can include:
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Watery, red, or itchy eyes
– Sneezing
– Coughing
– Postnasal drip (the feeling of mucus running down your throat)
– Fatigue
– Itchy throat or roof of the mouth
### Causes of Hay Fever
Many people think hay fever is only caused by pollen during the warmer months, but it can strike at any time of the year. Tree or grass pollen are common triggers, especially in spring and summer. However, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores can also cause hay fever symptoms. In winter, symptoms can worsen as you’re less likely to keep windows and doors open.
### Treatment for Hay Fever
While there’s no cure for hay fever, you can manage the symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines like fexofenadine can relieve symptoms quickly and effectively. These medications are popular because they’re easy to get without a prescription and work well for many people. Nasal sprays may be recommended by your doctor to soothe itching and postnasal drip. For severe cases, steroids might be prescribed.
### Who is Most Affected?
Hay fever is very common, affecting around 10 million people in England alone. It can start at any age but often begins in childhood or the teen years. Boys are more prone to developing it than girls during childhood, but in adulthood, men and women are equally affected. Those with asthma, eczema, or a family history of allergies are more likely to experience hay fever.
### Hay Fever vs. Common Cold
It can be tricky to tell hay fever from a common cold since their symptoms overlap. A cold typically gives you a runny nose with either watery or thick mucus, along with bodily aches, fatigue, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Cold symptoms usually start within one to three days after virus exposure and last about a week.
In contrast, hay fever begins immediately after exposure to an allergen and lasts as long as you’re exposed. While both can cause a runny nose, hay fever doesn’t come with a fever.
### Tips for Managing Hay Fever
Here are some practical tips to reduce the impact of hay fever on your life:
– Apply a bit of Vaseline or similar balm around your nostrils to trap pollen.
– Wear wraparound sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes.
– Check the local pollen count and try to stay indoors on high-pollen days.
– Vacuum frequently to reduce dust and dander in your home.
– Avoid walking on grass, especially if it’s recently cut.
– Don’t keep fresh flowers in your home.
– Steer clear of smoke and strong perfumes that can trigger symptoms.
– Avoid drying your clothes outside since pollen can cling to them.
– Change and wash your clothes after being outside to remove any pollen.
By following these strategies, you can better manage hay fever and reduce its effects on your daily life.