Why isn't there a cure for hayfever?

Answer 1

Hayfever is a common name for a medical condition known as allergic rhinitis. It is an allergic reaction to one or more 'allergens' (substances that trigger the symptoms). Common allergens include pollens, dust, molds and animal dander, but there are other triggers as well. The symptoms of hayfever can include one, more or all of these: runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, itchy ears, 'plugged' ears, sneezing, post nasal drip, sinus congestion, dry cough. In asthmatics it can trigger or worsen Asthma symptoms. As always, it is recommended that a person be evaluated by a medical professional to receive an accurate diagnosis. The cause of hayfever is the reason it cannot be "cured" at this time. It is essentially a relatively minor defect in the persons immune system, thought to be caused by a genetic mutation. What happens is that when exposed to an allergen, the allergic persons immune system goes to work to neutralize the foreign substance (allergen). This occurs with all people, but in the person with hayfever, there is a mild to severe over-reaction to the allergen. Histamine, which is part of the immune defense system, is over produced, causing the symptoms of hayfever. This is why antihistamines control these symptoms. There are other medicines to control symptoms as well, but generally require an evaluation by a medical professional as they are prescription meds. It should be pointed out that sometimes a series of increasing strength shots of the allergen, administered by a qualified allergy specialist, and commomly called 'allergy shots' can lead to a long term remission of symptoms and even a 'cure', but technically it is not a cure- it is a desensitization of the immune systems reaction to the allergen. However, this is the exception rather than the rule. More commonly, a reduction in the severity of symptoms is the result of these allergy shots. These shots are usually reserved for people with moderate-severe to severe symptoms. The symptoms of hayfever can vary from year to year, or even day to day, depending upon how much allergen the person is exposed to. For instance, if allergic to ragweed pollen, the symptoms will worsen the higher the pollen count goes. For more information, consult one of the professional medical websites, such as nih.gov or cdc.gov.

Answer 2

There is not a definitive cure, however there are drugs to suppress immune system (corticosteroids commonly called and allergy shot) and the histamine(diphenhydramine HCl or Benadryl) in the body. This is,sadly, only a temporary relievement from the symptoms and not a permanent cure. These drugs also don't not work as well for some people with sever Allergies. A side note: a person develops an "allergy" when the body senses that a specific protein (which is composed of amino acids the building blocks of life) is an invader the body then releases antibodies called Immunoglobulins (Ig), specificly IgE a certain type of Ig, these IgE's cause the inflammation and symptoms that are referred to as allergies.

Answer 3

There is currently no permanent cure for Hay fever. Hayfever can however be treated temporarily until the symptoms seem to pass.