Hay Fever
On this page:
Q: What is
hay fever? A: Hay fever is a commonly used
term for pollen allergy, a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis (runny
nose).
Q: Do pollen allergies occur only in the
spring? A: No. Pollen grains can be
dispersed into the air in the spring, summer and fall, depending on the
type of tree, grass or weed. For example, ragweed is a common cause of
pollen allergy reactions in the fall. In mild climates, some plants
pollinate in the winter as well.
Q: Why are some people
allergic to pollen while others are not? A:
People inherit a tendency to be allergic, meaning an increased
likelihood of being allergic to one or more allergens (such as pollen),
although they probably do not inherit a tendency to be allergic to any
specific allergens. Children are much more likely to develop allergies if
their parents have allergies, even if only one parent is allergic.
Exposure to allergens at certain times when the body's defenses are
lowered or weakened, such as after a viral infection or during pregnancy,
also seems to contribute to the development of allergies.
Q: Which trees and grasses produce the most
allergens? A: Plain-looking trees, grasses
and weeds, which do not have showy flowers, produce the types of pollen
that most commonly cause allergic reactions. These plants manufacture
small, light, dry pollen granules that are custom-made for wind transport.
Although most allergenic pollen comes from plants that produce it in huge
quantities, it's the chemical maekup of the pollen that determines whether
it is likely to cause hay fever.
Return to top 
Q: Where can I get information on
the pollen count where I live? A: The National
Allergy Bureau monitors pollen counts in many locations throughout the
United States. Their phone number for pollen counts is
1-800-9-POLLEN.
Q: What time of day and weather conditions
are worst for people with pollen allergy? A:
Generally, pollen is most abundant in the early morning,
especially between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Other considerations, however,
also determine exposure, such as wind velocity. Also, rain can wash pollen
out of the air for a time, and some plants may not pollinate in damp
weather.
Return to top
Q: How can I get tested to find out
if I have pollen allergy?A: A doctor can use
a skin test to see if you will react to specific pollen allergens. A
diluted extract is injected under the patient's skin or is applied to a
tiny scratch or puncture made on the arm or back. Skin testing is the most
common method used to test for allergic reactions. Blood tests are also
available to determine if you have a pollen allergy.
Q: As
an allergic person, is there anything I can do in my environment and
activities to minimize my reaction to pollen?A:
Avoiding exposure to pollen is the best way to decrease allergic
symptoms.
- Remain indoors in the morning when outdoor pollen levels are
highest.
- Wear face masks designed to filter out pollen if you must be
outdoors.
- Keep windows closed and use the air conditioner if possible in the
house and car.
- Do not dry clothes outdoors.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to other environmental irritants such as
insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and fresh tar or paint.
- Avoid mowing the grass or doing other yard work, if possible.
Q: What are the best treatments for pollen
allergy?A: The best treatment for pollen
allergy is to avoid coming into contact with pollen. Because that is
usually not possible, certain medications can control allergic reactions
in most people. Several oral antihistamine medications are available
over-the-counter or by a doctor's prescription. Topical nasal steroid
sprays are anti-inflammatory drugs that stop the allergic rhinitis. Using
a combination of antihistamines and nasal steroids can effectively treat
allergic symptoms, especially in people with moderate or severe allergic
symptoms.
Cromolyn sodium, a nasal spray, helps prevent allergic
reactions from starting. It significantly helps some people with
allergies.
Oral and nasal decongestants reduce congestion sometimes
caused by the allergic reaction. Doctors sometimes recommend their use
along with an antihistamine which controls the allergic symptoms. Nose
drops and sprays, however, should not be used for more than a few days at
a time because they can lead to even more congestion and swelling of the
nasal passages.
Q: Allergy drugs make me sleepy. Is there
anything I can take that won't do that?A:
There are several non-sedating antihistamines on the market that
are available with a doctor's prescription.
Q: Can I take
shots to get rid of my pollen allergy?A:
Immunotherapy, or a series of allergy shots, is the only
available treatment that has a chance of reducing allergy symptoms over
the long term. About 80 percent of people with hay fever will have a
significant reduction in their symptoms and in their need for medication
within 12 months of starting allergy shots.
Q: Do air
filters help?A: Various types of
air-filtering devices made with fiberglass or electrically charged plates
may help reduce pollen allergens. An allergy specialist can suggest which
kind of filter is best for your home.
Q: Should I consider
moving to another geographic area where I would have less exposure to the
trees, grasses, etc., that I am allergic to?A:
Most people who relocate to get away from the pollens that cause
their allergic symptoms find that they eventually develop allergies to the
plant pollens in the new area. In addition, other airborne allergens, such
as dust or mold, in the new area also might cause allergic rhinitis in a
person. Therefore, doctors usually do not recommmend that their patients
move.
Return to top
Q: What new
treatments and vaccines are being studied?A:
New treatments under investigation include anti-IgE, a compound
designed to block IgE antibodies, which are produced in massive quantities
by allergic individuals. Researchers also are exploring the use of agents
designed to antagonize other molecules that participate in allergic
reactions. An exciting area of vaccine research involves the use of DNA
encoding allergy-inducing substances. Other researchers are developing
allergy vaccines composed of molecularly modified
allergens.
Q: Has the number of individuals with allergies
been increasing in recent years?A: There are
very little data available on this issue. Some researchers hypothesize
that environmental pollutants can stimulate the immune system in such a
way as to make people more vulnerable to allergies. Still, there is
insufficient evidence at this time to say that allergies have truly
increased within the population. This question requires additional study.
Any increase in new commercial products, anecdotal stories, etc., does not
necessarily mean that there is a scientifically proven increase in the
rate of allergies.
Return to top
AAT Deficiency
