Hay fever

Many people suffer from sneezing and runny nose in the spring. They have hay fever. But what exactly is it and what you can do about it?

People with hay fever are hypersensitive to starch from certain plants. If you suffer in February and March, you are hypersensitive to hazel and alder. The birch and the oak cause problems in April and May and the grasses mainly in the summer.

The hypersensitivity to the pollen of these plants causes a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and headache. But clogged ears, shortness of breath, eczema and a tickly cough are also common.

What can you do now against hay fever? You can try to avoid contact with the pollen, but because this is very difficult, it is often not successful. You can also take antihistamines: these medications reduce the hypersensitivity reaction.

If you only need antihistamines occasionally, you can get them from the pharmacy. If you need them more often, it is best to visit your doctor and antihistamines will be reimbursed.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024