Hayfever

Hayfever is very common and it’s caused by many different things. People often get it during spring, when there are lots of airborne pollens around. But really you can get hayfever at any time of the year. Cane growers suffer a lot from hayfever because they are exposed to cane dust. Common symptoms are:

• Blocked or runny nose
• Teary, itchy eyes
• Sneezing

When to get help
Sometimes hayfever will clear up without treatment. But if it doesn’t you should get help if:

• Your hayfever makes it hard for you to work or sleep
• You feel really miserable
• You are producing thick green mucous, as this could indicate you have sinusitis, and infection in your sinuses which needs treatment.

Where to get help
You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for medication. Make sure you tell them what sort of work you do as some hayfever medications can make you drowsy and that can be dangerous if you are using farm machinery!

Prevention
Wear masks if you are working in a dusty environment. This will help to protect your lungs and prevent dusts and organic matter getting into your airways.