What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever (or Allergic Rhinitis) is a medical condition which covers a number of symptoms and is characterised by inflammation of the nose, throat and sinuses.

It is caused by a wide variety of agents or allergens. Conventionally hay fever starts in the Spring and continues into September and the severity depends on the nature of the allergen to which the sufferer is sensitive. The reactions may be due to pollen (from grass, trees or other plants ) household dust, animal dander or house dust mites. With household allergens, the symptoms may manifest themselves as asthma.

The symptoms from one sufferer to the next varies immensely. They may be as mild as an itchy nose or in extreme cases, a mix of painful watery eyes, blocked nose, sneezing, headaches, a loss of concentration and sleep disturbance. For many hay fever sufferers, the Summertime brings complete misery as they are unable to carry on with normal life.

Approximately one in ninety people suffer from hay fever badly enough to consult a doctor and many more have it in a mild form. It is not known why people become hypersensitive to these allergens but it is likely that altered immunity plays a part. There is some evidence that there is a link between hay fever and asthma or eczema.

*In accordance with the ASA and CAP it must be pointed out that the single point stimulation of the LI-11 point has not been clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis.