As the weather warms and the pollen count rises, if you are like me you will be getting a bit snuffly at this time of year.

Hay fever is a common ailment, particularly at this time of year. It is where a person has an oversensitive/allergic reaction to particles in the air, triggering a response from Mast cells to release histamine – and this is what causes the symptoms of the allergic reaction. It is a similar process to seasonal asthma, but affects the upper airways instead of the chest. 

Hay fever can affect nose-allergic rhinitis or eyes-allergic conjunctivitis. They can be seasonal or perennial. 

The triggers are often pollen, but can be many other things from chemicals to pets, and can be made worse by cold weather or air conditioning. 

Hay fever is managed not cured, often by avoiding the trigger if possible and medication.

Avoid using decongestants, as they work well in the short term, but the longer they are used will cause rebound congestion of the nose. Antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment, with non-sedating medications such as Cetirizine and Loratadine. Less systemic options include mast cell stabilizing eye drops such as Patanol, or steroid nasal spray such as Flixonase. 

- Dr Phill Barter, Clinical Director, Kaipara Medical Centre 

Published in December issue of Helensville News