Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially with added hay fever symptoms. Although you may have relied on many products before, most state they may not be safe in breastfeeding. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer, and our clinicians at Healthwords are used to weighing up risks and benefits – some products that are labelled as "unlicensed for breastfeeding" may be an option after discussion with your doctor. With breastfeeding, the main issue is that the active ingredient in the antihistamine enters the breastmilk, which will get absorbed by the infant. Let’s arm you with the facts first before you speak to your doctor. It’s also worth stating that hay fever, or allergic rhinitis (similar to eye and nose symptoms to any allergen), is not known to cause any harm to you or your growing baby if left untreated. It’s for your comfort if you wish to pursue treatment for your symptoms.
Hay fever affects many people and is caused by an allergy to pollen. But did you know people are usually allergic to certain pollens and not others which is why people suffer hay fever at different points in the year? We’ll take you through matching your symptoms to the different pollens so you can get on top of your hay fever.
The allergic march describes a common set of allergic conditions, where one can lead to another as a child ages. This includes eczema (atopic dermatitis), food allergy, hay fever (allergic rhinitis, and asthma. As these are collectively called atopy, it’s sometimes referred to as the atopic march, with one marching into the next like unstoppable soldiers. Allergic conditions often run in families, although they can vary as to which is most bothersome for each child or adult. Allergies in first-degree relatives – a parent or sibling – put you at higher risk for developing an allergic condition, and you are at the highest risk if both of your parents suffer.
Cromolyn sodium eye drops are used for the relief of eye irritation caused by hay fever and other allergy-related eye symptoms. It works by locally inhibiting the release of histamine from the eyes, which causes irritation and discomfort. It is not technically classed as an antihistamine medication, as it does not directly work against histamine, however, it does prevent your cells from producing it.
Mild allergies are common and often resolve within a few hours or days, typically affecting a specific area such as the nose. The most prevalent types of mild allergies include hay fever and animal allergies, which trigger an immune response upon exposure to pollen or animal dander, leading to the release of histamine. This article aims to provide valuable insights into treating mild allergies, helping individuals distinguish between true allergies that prompt an immune response and other conditions like food intolerances or sensitivities. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and exploring various preventative and treatment options, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Skin prick testing is a type of allergy testing for those with urticaria (hives) or hay fever-type symptoms. If you’re not sure what’s causing you to itch, sneeze, rub irritated eyes, break out in a rash, or get asthma attacks, this test can help work out your triggers. It mostly relates to a response by the body where a chemical called histamine is released that causes the symptoms of allergy. Skin prick testing is also used for more serious reactions, like bee stings, which can threaten your airways and cause anaphylaxis. This is an extreme histamine response that carries serious implications for the future. It can be reassuring for people to be able to pinpoint an allergen and try to avoid it. Where someone may be going to great lengths to avoid (or get their child to avoid) certain foods or other potential allergens, it can be a great relief to know things they are not allergic to, and be able to re-introduce these.
Hives are also known as urticaria or nettle rash. Red raised circular marks appear called wheals, which resemble a dartboard bullseye. These are usually intensely itchy, and may also sting or burn. Wheals appear anywhere on the body within minutes to hours of meeting an allergen or irritant. Antihistamine tablets or creams can reduce the reaction, and cooling agents and moisturizers can calm the itch. The wheals should disappear within 24 hours, although redness or a form of bruising may persist. Hives are not contagious, and cannot be passed on.
Although most bathers enjoy and use hot tubs without encountering any problems, many people experience an itchy and painful skin condition called hot tub rash or folliculitis. Folliculitis is when the hair follicles that cover areas of our skin surface become inflamed or infected. In day-to-day life, the most common occurrence of this is in relation to shaving, affecting men most often on the face and women in areas they wish to have hair removed from, especially around the bikini line. Another cause is prolonged submersion in jacuzzis or hot tubs. The warmth, coupled with the high oxygen content of the water, creates optimum conditions for bacteria and funguses to grow. Furthermore, the frequent change of visitors into the tubs and relatively infrequent changing of the water leads to a hot tub that is teaming with bacteria.
Ah, the summertime ... sunshine, picnics, the smell of freshly cut grass; but if the great outdoors leaves you with sneezing fits and puffy eyes, you’re likely to suffer from hay fever. Antihistamines are a good option to reduce symptoms, but many people prefer natural or drug-free remedies. Our pharmacist will talk you through some options.
If you’ve tried over-the-counter pharmacy products and you’re not getting on top of your symptoms, book an appointment with your doctor. They will assess your symptoms and what you’ve tried already and work out the best solution for you. They may prescribe a stronger antihistamine tablet or steroid nasal spray. You should also see your doctor if you’ve been on antihistamine tablets for three months or more – they may advise you to change the brand or try another treatment.
Hay fever – also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis - is an allergy to pollen, usually from grass or trees that can cause symptoms in either your eyes, nose or throat. In some sufferers it can cause a whole body response with a combination of symptoms, leaving you feeling pretty fed up and reluctant to embrace the great outdoors. It can also end up interfering with your work, study and sleep. Pollen is a dust-like particle, carried on the wind and by insects such as bees to pollinate more plants. Proteins in pollen can trigger an inflammatory response where an immune-fighting substance called histamine is released from mast cells in the body. This is helpful in protecting you from certain irritants, but hay fever and other allergic reactions occur because your histamine release mechanism goes into overdrive. Hay fever is very common, affecting around 1 in every 5 people in the US, and it often starts as a child or teenager. It can run in families and you are more likely to have hay fever if you also suffer from asthma or eczema. If you have hay fever, when you come into contact with pollen or the spores of molds or fungi that you’re allergic to, your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Antibodies are usually only released to fight infection, but in this instance, your body believes the substance you’re allergic to is harmful. When there’s a lot of the substance you’re allergic to in the air, the IgE antibodies will trigger the release of chemicals from certain cells in your nose, throat and eyes. One of these chemicals is histamine, and as a result of histamine in your system, you’ll experience the symptoms of hay fever. Pollen is seasonal. You may be allergic to just one type of pollen, which means you are only susceptible to symptoms at certain times of the year, and therefore treatment can be limited to this time. Treatment can be targeted at relieving each symptom or with the aim of reducing inflammation throughout the body. With lots of hay fever products on the market, it can be tricky to know which is right for you, so let’s talk you through the options.
You know when the pollen season has arrived if you suffer from itchy, streaming eyes that look red and puffy. It can be uncomfortable, and you feel desperate for some relief. Our pharmacist has put together some remedies to help soothe your eyes and heal your eye symptoms.