Can Adults Develop Hay Fever Later In Life?
Many people believe that if they didn’t experience hay fever as a youngster, they won’t have to worry about it later in life. However, this isn’t always the case. Many people develop hay fever as adults, even if they’ve never experienced it before, although this condition is more typical to arise in childhood. But, why is this the case? Why do people who don’t have hay fever suddenly develop it? We’re here to explain everything.
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What are the symptoms of hay fever?
The following are some of the signs of hay fever:
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Sneezing or coughing
- Runny or blocked nose
Although it might be difficult to distinguish between a cold and hay fever, certain stimuli can trigger these symptoms to develop more severely, such as being in the presence of pollen, grass, pollutants, or pet dander.
Secondary symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Low mood
- Irritability
- Fatigue
This is due to the fact that the illness can induce you to feel unwell for such a lengthy time, especially if the pollen count is high.
What causes hay fever in adults?
When your immune system identifies a safe airborne substance as a potential hazard, it releases histamine to protect itself. Antibodies are produced by the immune system to defend against the thing. When you come into touch with it again, the antibodies notify the body to release histamines, producing hay fever symptoms.
Our genes determine our allergy risk, and approximately a third of people are vulnerable to allergies. Although many people who suffer from this condition never develop any symptoms, a significant number of people may get hay fever later in life as a result. One explanation is that the majority of individuals just have antibodies to bacteria and viruses, but some also acquire antibodies to stimuli like pollens.
How will I know if I’m going to develop hay fever?
Hay fever is on the increase as time goes by, with more and more people developing it. This is connected to increased pollution, pollen, and climate change, as well as a deteriorating diet. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know whether you’re susceptible to hay fever before it strikes.
How to prevent hay fever
There are several things you can do to reduce the impact of hay fever, even if it isn’t always preventable.
Stay Inside: If you know what sets off your hay fever, you should try to avoid coming into contact with the allergen as much as possible. If you are sensitive to pollen, the following are some of the steps you should follow: Check pollen counts before going outside during the spring and summer, and stay inside on high-pollen count days.
Close Windows: It’s also a good idea to keep the windows closed. Pollen and allergens will be kept out of your house this way.
Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses can also assist block pollen and dust from entering your eyes and irritating them.
Vacuum Often: If you have pets, vacuum the house regularly to remove hair and pet dander from the floors and furniture. You may also consider investing in an air purifier for your house to enhance the quality of your air even more.
Medication: You may also use over-the-counter medicines or sprays like Mometasone to help with hay fever. Hay fever tablets can help you feel better by reducing your symptoms so that you can enjoy the outdoors without restrictions.