Hay fever

Hay fever

An allergic inflammation of the nasal airways.

Symptoms:

• An itch which feels like it is at the back of the throat or behind the nose.
• Runny nose.
• Water, red and itchy eyes.
• A dry throat.
• Sneezing attacks.
• Irritability. 

Seriousness:

• Speak to your pharmacist and treat at home.
• Consult a doctor if the symptoms are severe or persistent and don't respond to home treatment.

Treatment:

• Hay fever is a manifestation of an allergy, usually to grass, tree and weed pollens, but also to mould spores, animal dander (flakes of dead skin) or house dust mites.
• It may be seasonal or perennial.
• If you know what your child is allergic to, try to reduce her exposure to what is causing her discomfort.
• Keep house dust to a minimum.
• Treat carpets with insecticides.
• Enclose her mattress in plastic and avoid feather pillows and duvets.
• Oral antihistamines or nasal spray may be prescribed by your doctor for the symptoms.