How to Stop Eyes Watering from Hay Fever

As spring blossoms in Hong Kong, so does the plight of those affected by hay fever—also known as allergic rhinitis. Among its symptoms, one of the most exasperating is undoubtedly watery and itchy eyes. Additionally, environmental factors, such as exposure to allergens or certain pollutants at a young age can increase the risk. At OT&P Healthcare, we understand how this can impact your daily life and we are here to help.

What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to outdoor or indoor allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Unlike a simple allergy, hay fever can cause many other symptoms that may significantly affect your quality of life, especially during peak pollen seasons.

What is the Cause of Hay Fever?

Hay fever is caused by the body's immune system hyper-reacting to allergens causing the release of histamine, the main chemical responsible for the symptoms of hay fever. Common allergens include:

Pollen: This fine powder comes from flowering plants, grasses, weeds, and trees. It is one of the most common triggers of hay fever and varies seasonally.

Dust Mites: These microscopic creatures thrive in household dust, particularly in humid environments.

Mold Spores: Mold can grow indoors and outdoors, releasing spores that can trigger hay fever.

Animal Dander: Tiny flakes of skin or hair from pets like cats and dogs can provoke allergic reactions.

What Are the Symptoms of Hay Fever?

Symptoms of hay fever can include:

Sneezing and Coughing: Frequent sneezing is often one of the first signs of hay fever, accompanied by a cough caused by postnasal drip (watery or mucus discharge from the back of the nose that falls (drips) down the throat).

Runny or Blocked Nose: Hay fever can cause the nasal passages to become inflamed and produce excess mucus, leading to nasal congestion and runny nose.

Itchy, Red, or Watery Eyes: Histamine release, as a reaction to allergens causes conjunctiva to become itchy, watery, or reddened, an inflammatory condition known as allergic conjunctivitis.

Itchy Throat, Mouth, Nose, and Ears: The same allergens and allergic reaction that affect the eyes and nose can also cause itching in the throat, mouth, ears, and even the roof of the mouth.

Loss of Smell: Nasal congestion can temporarily reduce your sense of smell.

Pain around your Temples and Forehead: Inflammation and congestion of the sinuses can lead to feelings of pressure or pain in these areas.

Headache: The buildup of pressure from sinus congestion can also cause headaches.

Earache: The Eustachian tube, which connects your throat to your middle ear, can become blocked, leading to ear fullness or pain. Decreased hearing may also be experienced.

Feeling Tired: The body's immune response and the discomfort of symptoms can lead to fatigue.

Persistent watery eyes interfering with vision and activities of daily living presents a real challenge to your well-being.

How to Tell the Difference Between Hay Fever and a Cold?

Distinguishing between hay fever and the common cold can be tricky. Hay fever usually doesn't come with a high fever or body aches and tends to last longer than the typical duration of a cold. Additionally, hay fever symptoms are more likely to flare up in a specific season, depending on the allergens present.

Hay Fever: An Allergic Reaction

Cause: Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander.

Onset: Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to allergens.

Duration: Can last as long as the individual is exposed to the allergen, which could be several weeks during pollen or flowering seasons.

Symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itchy throat or ears are common. Hay fever rarely causes a fever.

Time of Year: Often seasonal, though perennial forms exist due to year-round allergens.

Common Cold: A Viral Infection

Cause: Caused by viruses, the rhinovirus is one of the most common culprits.

Onset: Symptoms typically develop one to three days after being infected with the virus.

Duration: Usually lasts about a week to 10 days.

Symptoms: Includes a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headaches, body aches, and often a low-grade fever.

Time of Year: More common in the winter months but can occur any time of the year.

How to Stop Hay Fever Immediately?

For immediate relief:

Stay indoors when the pollen count is high.

Shower and change your clothes after being outside.

Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens.

Consider over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops.

Wear a face mask

How to Cure Hay Fever Permanently?

While there's no permanent cure for hay fever, long-term treatments such as immunotherapy or allergy shots can help reduce the severity of your symptoms. These treatments involve exposing your body to increasing amounts of the allergen, helping it become less sensitive (desensitisation).