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$Pretitle{Respiratory System}
$Title{Where Does Hay Fever Come From}
$Subject{hay fever allergy causes treatment}
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Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Where Does Hay Fever Come From


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QUESTION:  With my eyes tearing and red, and a full nose that won't stop
dripping, I am into the earliest attack of hay fever I have ever had.  Why I
am affected so much by this condition, where does it come from, and what can I
do to rid myself of this crummy situation?

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ANSWER:  You know by this time, I am sure that it is not hay that causes your
problems, but the very air you breath.  As the flowers bloom, so is pollen
produced, wafted on the balmy breezes right into your sensitive system.  When
pollens that you are allergic to come in contact with the tissues of your
nasal passage, antibodies are produced in response to the allergens contained
in the pollen.  When antibodies come in contact with immune cells a substance
called histamine is produced, which causes the capillaries in your tissues to
swell (congestion), producing the all to familiar symptoms that come with an
attack of allergic rhinitis or hay fever, sneezing runny and stuffed noses, as
well as red and tearing eyes, and often an intense itch.  Seasonal allergies
may first be noted in early childhood, but the condition continues throughout
life for those that are affected.  When the condition first appears during
summer months it is usually due to grass pollens, such as timothy and sweet
vernal, while the autumn variety results from weed pollens such as ragweed.
The early or spring type that you seem to be suffering from is due to pollens
produced by trees such as oak, elm, alder, birch, cottonwood and maple.  The
treatments for any allergic rhinitis uses antihistamines, decongestants, or
combinations of both.  There are many over the counter preparations which
should help.  If one doesn't work, try another for they have different
formulas, and affect people in different ways.  If you can not obtain the
relief you seek using these medications, it may be time for you undergo a
complete allergy testing to identify the exact source of your discomfort,
followed by a series of allergy injections to desensitize your system.  By the
time next pollen season roles around, you could be in a better situation,
without a yearly battle, which you seem to be losing.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
