HAY FEVER

Hay fever is an allergy that causes an increased release of histamine in your body, which, in turn, causes sneezing, itching and red eyes. The substances that may cause this allergic reaction are many; among the most common are pollen, airborne pollutants, dust mites and pet hair. The only way to prevent a hay fever attack is to do your best to identify the allergen and then avoid it.

TREATMENT

· Antihistamines do help if you have an attack, but can cause severe drowsiness, so don’t use them with alcohol or other medications. Antihistamines are available as inhalers, capsules, tablets and injections. Use the inhalers sparingly because they may have an adverse effect if overused.
· There are long-acting cortisone injections or cortisone tablets available if there’s a really good reason to risk the side effects of the steroids, among which is bone thinning.
· Injections designed to desensitize you to your allergen must be taken with great care, you may suffer anaphylactic shock or another severe reaction to them.

AN ALTERNATIVE CHOICE

HOMEOPATHY

· Allium cepa may help for an acute attack that gets worse inside the house and in the evening. It can also be used preventatively.
· Arsenicum should be used if there’s a persistent desire to sneeze.
· Use Euphrasia for itchy eyes.


AROMATHERAPY

· To clear your nose, inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil added.
· Relax in a warm lavender-oil bath or rub some diluted lavender oil on the side of your nose when it’s congested.
· Put a drop of Roman chamomile or Melissa oil (both anti-allergenic) and basil oil (a decongestant) on your handkerchief and sniff it if you feel an attack coming on.