Financial Services > Health lnsurance > Hayfever - UK Health Insurance

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |  J  | K | L | M | N | 
O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

 

[Next]

 

[Hayfever] [Hernia]

HAYFEVER

An allergy to pollen manifested by cold-like symptoms is termed as hay fever. It is often referred to as pollinosis or allergic rhinitis.

TARGET GROUP:

Hay fever is one of the most common allergic conditions Heredity plays a key role in determining hay fever. A family history of asthma or allergies can make you more susceptible to develop hay fever. It can begin at any age but children and young adults are most likely to develop it.

 

TYPE OF DISEASE:

Hay fever is a short-lived, seasonal, allergic reaction to the pollen of a particular plant. Allergies are caused by an oversensitive immune system. When a man's immunity is low he reacts to harmless allergens. Pollens causing hay fever vary from people to people.

SYMPTOMS

Its symptoms can be mild or acute. Common symptoms of hay fever include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, running nose, irritability, headache, coughing, loss of sleep, and tiredness. The amount of pollen in the air determines the development of symptoms of hay fever. Windy and dry days have more pollen in the air than cool and rainy days.

AFFECTED AREA:

The nose and eyes are usually affected by hay fever.

CAUSES:

The most common causes are pollen, dust mites, weeds, pet dander and cockroaches. Perfume and tobacco can also act as irritants. Harsh detergents and chemicals like chlorine are triggers. Pollens of wind-pollinated plants like alder and birch tree are chief causes.

Risk to others:

Heredity and environment factors may contribute to a tendency to allergies. The risk factors which increase chances of developing hay fever are family history of allergies, being male and being a first child. Other factors include passive smoking in infancy and exposure to dust particles.

 

Risk to sufferer:

Without proper treatment, hay fever can impair your quality of life, cause sleeplessness, fatigue and irritability that affect your performance at work or school, and increase your risk of developing more serious allergic conditions such as asthma or eczema. The probable complications in hay fever can be nasal polyps, sinusitis and drowsiness due to side effects of medications.

 

TREATMENT:

Treatment of hay fever depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. The first step is to reduce allergy symptoms. Various medicines, like antihistamines which counteract the histamines released by the body in reaction to the allergen, are available. Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation and eye drops relieve itching and discomfort in the eyes. For a severe case of hay fever the doctor may administer desensitization shots which induce the body to develop a tolerance to the particular allergen.

[Next]

Health Insurance Partners