Weekly Views

Hayfever Season

(A message from the School Nurse)

Welcome to SPRING and with 

that HAYFEVER Season!

WHAT IS HAY FEVER?

Hay fever is the common name for a condition called allergic rhinitis, which is an allergy that mainly affects the nose but can also affect the eyes, throat, sinuses and ears. It mainly occurs during spring and summer. However, it can occur all year round.

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAY FEVER:

  • Frequent bouts of sneezing 
  • A runny nose
  • Blocked nose (either one or both nostrils)
  • Itchy ears, nose, throat and roof of the mouth
  • Red, itchy, swollen and/or watery eyes
  • Headaches

WHAT CAUSES HAY FEVER?

  • Pollen (from grasses, flowers and trees)
  • Dust mites
  • Animal fur or hair
  • Mould spore
  • Cigarette smoke

TREATMENT FOR HAY FEVER.

Hay fever cannot be cured but symptoms can be improved by offering relief to your child.

The best way to reduce the frequency of hay fever is to identify what triggers the symptoms and try to avoid or minimise contact with it.

If you are having trouble working out the cause, see your GP. 

Your doctor may suggest using medication to help relieve your child’s symptoms, such as

  • Non-sedating antihistamine (Zyrtec, Claratyne)
  • Low-dose steroid nasal sprays (Nasonex)

Your doctor or pharmacist can give advice on which medication may be best for your child. 

It is important to remember that symptoms tend to persist unless treated. By treating your child before the school day commences, it means that they can get the most out of their learning for that day and not be interrupted by a trip to the sickbay.

 

For more information

Catherine O'Brien / Iness Khalil

School Nurse / First Aid