A guide to hay fever

#A guide to hay fever #T

Thunderstorm asthma

By Sama Mohamed

What is thunderstorm asthma? Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a mixture of grass pollen in the air and thunderstorm conditions. It happens when pollen grains are drawn up into the clouds as a thunderstorm forms. The pollen grains absorb water, swell and burst open. Particles containing pollen allergens are released. The wind can push these tiny particles down to ground level where they can be breathed into the lungs. Thunderstorm asthma usually affects people in the windy period before the rain starts. It usually happens in spring and early summer. Even people who have never had asthma before can get thunderstorm asthma.

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#A guide to hay fever #T

Testing for allergy

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts An allergy can occur when your immune system reacts to substances (called allergens) that are harmless for most people. An allergic reaction can cause mild symptoms, such as a runny nose or itchy eyes, but some people experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is a medical emergency. Allergies can also trigger conditions such as asthma, hay fever and eczema. Allergy testing can help your doctor understand if an allergy is causing your symptoms. Common allergy tests include skin prick testing and blood tests. What is an allergy? An allergy can be triggered if your immune system reacts to substances (called allergens)

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Pollen allergy

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Pollen is fine grains released from grasses, weeds and trees that fertilise other plants. Some people are allergic to pollen, meaning the pollen makes their immune system react, and triggers symptoms. Pollen allergy symptoms include itchy and inflamed eyes and nasal passages (called hay fever or allergic rhinitis) and can also enter the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms. Allergy testing can help you learn what pollen you are allergic to. If you have pollen allergy, antihistamines can control itching and sneezing in the long term. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend allergen immunotherapy to treat your

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#A guide to hay fever #Human anatomy for public knowledge

Immune system

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts The immune system defends the body from infection and includes a complex network of cells, chemicals, tissues and organs. The immune system recognises ‘invaders’ such as bacteria, viruses and fungi as well as abnormal cells like cancer cells, and then helps the body fight the invasion. The immune system includes the skin, bone marrow, the thymus, lymphatic system, lymph nodes, the spleen and mucous membranes. There are many different immune conditions, sometimes related to underactivity or overactivity of the immune system. What is the immune system? The immune system defends the body from infection. It contains a complex

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#A guide to hay fever #D

Dust mites

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Dust mites are tiny insects that feed on discarded human skin. Dust mites don’t bite or sting, but some people are allergic to them and their droppings. There are steps you can take to lower the number of dust mites in your house. What are dust mites? Dust mites are so tiny you can’t see them without a microscope. They belong to the same family as spiders. They feed on discarded human skin, house dust, and other microscopic food sources such as pollen and fungal spores. Dust mites do not bite or sting. However, some people are allergic

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#A #A guide to hay fever #Medicines information

Antihistamines

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Antihistamines are medicines that you can take to treat allergies. Antihistamines can help your symptoms if you suffer from allergic conditions, for example, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, hives, allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Antihistamines can also help if you have mild or moderate acute allergic reactions such as to food, dust mites or pet hair. There are 2 main types of antihistamines: sedating antihistamines that can make you feel sleepy, and non-sedating antihistamines that usually don’t make you sleepy.   Allergies and histamine Your body can become sensitive to things around you, such as foods, plants,

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#A guide to hay fever #Medical articles

Grass allergy

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Grass allergy is when a person experiences symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or thunderstorm asthma after exposure to grass pollen. Allergic rhinitis caused by grass allergy can cause itchy eyes and throat, a runny nose and sneezing. You are more likely to be exposed to pollen and experience symptoms of grass allergy at certain times of the year. The pollen season will depend on where you live. People who have asthma may find that pollen triggers a flare-up. This is called thunderstorm asthma. There are many strategies you can use to reduce the chance of symptoms, and

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#A guide to hay fever

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic response from your immune system that causes sneezing, runny nose and watery, itchy eyes. Hay fever can be triggered by seasonal allergens like pollens and grass or year-round triggers like dust mites, and animal fur. See your doctor if your hay fever symptoms are ongoing and affect your day-to-day living. Most people manage hay fever by avoiding allergens in their daily life, and with medicines such as antihistamines and nasal sprays. Allergy testing can help to identify potential triggers for hay fever, but should be considered together with your history and

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