Hay fever, we meet again!

It’s that time of year that allergy sufferers dread...

- Amy Hadley

Now that we’re in the thick of spring, those who get hay fever are undoubtedly taking quite the hit, battling the dreaded itchy eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. But we may have some respite! Madeline Calfas, integrative registered nurse, naturopath and herbal medicine practitioner, explains how to manage the condition.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

“Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to allergens such as pollens, dust mites, pet dander, grasses, and spores from indoor and outdoor plants,” says Madeline. “When a person comes in contact with one or more of the allergens they are sensitive to, the body begins to mount an immune response.”

When an allergan is detected the body produces antibodies, which signal for the immune system to produce histamine – this is what causes the symptoms. These include runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, nasal congestion, post nasal drip, sneezing, coughing, itchy nose or throat, and fatigue.