Do not mistake Hay Fever for the play by Noel Coward which is currently playing in the London Theatres. It is a medical condition caused by an allergy to pollen or mould spores. It is not an all season medical condition. It affects only during spring and summer. If you are allergic to pollen and your dwelling is surrounded by trees and plants then you will suffer the effects. The cure - move to a city dwelling - jokes apart, it is not a very serious medical condition, although the symptoms can be very unpleasant for a sufferer, it can be controlled.

Nearly 2 to 3 million people in Britain are affected by Hayfever every year. Hayfever makes the body's immune system overreact to the presence of external substances, as if they were something toxic. Irritation and inflammation are the result.

Asthma, Eczema and Hayfever are the three common conditions caused by allergy to pollen. Sometimes a person might get all of the three medical conditions if allergic to pollen. The peak pollen period of summer normally coincides with the examination schedules of schools and universities and the students suffering from Hayfever can find themselves unable to revise/concentrate which in turns affects their performance in the examinations.

Symptoms

Hayfever does not have a common symptom. It varies from person to person. Sneezing, running or a blocked nose, itchy and watery red eyes and itchy throat are some of the symptoms of Hayfever. Air quality, weather and the pollen to which you are allergic are the three conditions which cause Hayfever. Pollen is present at different times of the year so you can not accurately predict when a person will suffer from Hayfever if they are allergic to pollen.

Cure

Across the counter prescription medicine containing antihistamine will counteract the effects of the main chemicals released by the allergic response by the human body. Alternatives such as nasal sprays containing steroids and other substances to reduce the local inflammatory response in the nose and eye drops which have similar effects in the eyes can also be considered.

You can also try to cure Hayfever by treating the allergic reaction to specific substances by injection and subsequent desensitization but give due care about the severe reactions which need close hospital supervision.

Prevention

To prevent Hayfever avoid contact with the allergy causing pollens by staying indoors when pollen counts are unusually high. You can also keep the windows and doors closed while sleeping. Frequently air the bedclothes in direct sunlight and maybe try using an air purifier.