It's easy for those who don't have hay fever allergies to look at those who do and think they are overreacting just a little bit. Unfortunately, this situation often reverses when a person develops adult onset hay fever. Yes this problem can occur in anyone at any time, and it is a difficult situation to manage.

Why Does It Happen?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to air born grass contaminants, such as pollen. It causes a variety of nasty symptoms such as watery eyes, running noses, and excessive sneezing during the early spring months. Typically it shows up in people when they are very young, but it can develop without warning in people much older.

The exact causes for adult onset hay fever allergies are uncertain. Some experts have suggested that mild hay fever may have existed in the person when they were younger and didn't become severe until later. Others suggest a genetic predisposition or a one-time reaction by the immune system triggering a continual attack.

How Often Does It Happen?

Adult onset hay fever typically occurs in a person's 20s and 30s, though it may occur later. The exact number of people who develop later hay fever allergies is unclear, but experts estimate that about one out of every five people suffer from some form of hay fever allergies. Many of these people are likely those who developed them later in life.

For these unfortunate people, it can be hard to manage the symptoms. People who have dealt with it as a child already understand the treatment methods and how to avoid allergy-triggering pollen. That's why it's so crucial for those with adult onset hay fever to understand how to manage their symptoms to live a happy life relatively-free of hay fever reactions.

Managing The Problem

The best way to manage a sudden case of adult onset hay fever is to visit an allergy specialist right away and receive a variety of medicines, such as decongestants and antihistamines. These will help stop the negative occurrence of hay fever symptoms or at least decrease their severity. Next it is important to decrease exposure to these harmful allergens.

Regularly mowing the lawn and trimming trees during peak allergy seasons does a lot to remove these allergens from a home, as does keeping a home sealed during peak pollen period. When coming in from outdoors, it is best to clean off clothes with a lint brush to eliminate the risk of pollen spreading through a home.

By following these guidelines, a person can beat adult onset hay fever and learn how to live a life free from allergic reactions. It is important to regularly take the proper medicines and minimize contact with pollen whenever possible. For more information, contact an allergy clinic like Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center PS.