What to know about allergies and hay fever

One third of the Australian population suffers from at least one allergy. These kind of immune reactions can impact on our everyday life, wellbeing and productivity.

But what is an allergy?

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy explains that an allergy is an immune reaction to a substance in a person’s environment that is normally harmless to other people.

The most common allergies are reactions to in-house dust mites, pets, insects, moulds, foods and some medicines.

The most common symptoms appear throughout the nose and/or eyes with hay fever (allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis), the skin with eczema or hives (urticarial) and/or the lungs with asthma.

What is an allergic reaction?

The Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy explains what happens during an allergic reaction:

“When a person who is allergic to a particular allergen comes into contact with it, an allergic reaction occurs. This begins when the allergen (for example, pollen) enters the body, triggering an antibody response. The antibodies attach themselves to special cells, called mast cells. When the pollen comes into contact with the antibodies, the mast cells respond by releasing certain substances, one of which is called histamine. When the release of histamine is due to an allergen, the resulting swelling and inflammation is extremely irritating and uncomfortable.”

Are allergies seasonal?

Associate Professor Janet Davies from Queensland University of Technology’s School of Biochemical Sciences explained to the ABC that hay fever and other allergy symptoms always depend on the time of the year and the locations one lives in. Different types of plants in different places within Australia might blossom at different times of the year. Hay fever thus occurs at different times of the year in different places throughout Australia.

Why do people associate spring with allergies?

Moving into spring means that trees, plants and flowers begin to grow again, which confronts a lot of people who suffer from pollen allergies with their suffering.

Giving your house a proper (spring) cleanse can also lead to direct confrontation with (winter) dust, which triggers hay fever and other allergic reactions.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is one of the most typical allergic reactions. Its medical name is allergic rhinitis and its usual symptoms are a runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing and  itchy and watery eyes.

What to do when you suffer from an allergy?

1. Organise a proper allergy test with a clinical immunology and allergy expert.
2. Once you know what triggers your allergy minimise your exposure to it. You’ll get more information here. www.allergy.org.au/patients/information
3. Take medication as bespoke with your doctor. The most common allergy medications include: antihistamine tablets or syrup, intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays, combination medications containing an antihistamine,intranasal corticosteroid nasal spray, decongestant spray, decongestant tablets, combination medications containing an antihistamine and decongestant, natural products.
4. Consider a desensitisation therapy with allergen immunotherapy.
5. Extreme forms of allergies can cause a life-threatening circumstance, which is called anaphylaxis, in which case you need to call the emergency immediately.

Similarly, the Harvard Medical School also suggests allergy treatment with antihistamines, decongestants and allergy shots.

If you suffer from hay fever (particularly in spring) you might want to check out everydayhealth’s tips on how to prepare yourself.

Lastly, how much do you know about allergies? Take the quiz.