Hayfever & Sinus

What is Hayfever & Sinus

Hay fever is the common name for an allergic reaction of the lining of the nose and sinuses. Hay fever is mostly triggered by breathing in pollens of certain grasses, weeds, and trees. High pollen levels happen at certain times of the year, usually in spring and early summer. Some people have allergy symptoms the whole year round. This is usually due to an allergy to animal dander, moulds or horse-dust mite. Sinus problems occur when the sinuses (the air spaces in the bones behind the nose) become inflamed and blocked. Many people’s sinus problems begin with an allergy, although sinus problems can be caused by an infection.

Signs & Symptoms

Hay fever

• Sneezing
• Runny nose (although it can be blocked)
• Itchy nose
• Puffy, itchy, watery and red eyes
• Tickling, burning throat
• Itchy or lumpy skin
• Shortness of breath or wheezing

Sinus

• Blocked nose and sinuses
• Pain, pressure, and aching across the sinuses, around the cheeks, eyes and forehead, especially when bending forward.

Hay fever and sinus symptoms are often worse in the mornings or on windy days. Allergy symptoms can last for two or three weeks or for a few months during the hay fever season. If symptoms don’t go away after the usual hay fever season, you may have a perennial (year round) allergy. People who have “cold” symptoms all the time may actually have an allergy.

If you suffer from year-round symptoms:

• Keep pets outdoors.
• Remove carpets or place plastic covers over carpeted areas.
• Replace carpet areas with a hard surface e.g. lino, cork, tiles or slate.
• Enclose mattress, quilts and pillows in special zippered plastic covers.
• Wash bed linen in hot water and leave blankets in the sun for at least 4 hours