Mast Cell Inhibitors Treat Hay Fever

Mast cell inhibitors are a class of drug that inhibits certain cellular reactions to prevent histamine from being released in the cells, which is the normal cause of allergy reactions. Mast cell inhibitors are used for the treatment of hay fever or seasonal allergies.

There are 2 possible causes for the symptoms of hay fever: pollens and molds.  Pollens are the most common cause of hay fever. They are produced by grass, trees, hay, weeds, and flowers.  Pollens are normally inhaled so the common local area of allergic reactions happens in the nasal region. Usually, the symptoms occur a few minutes after inhalation of pollens. For some people, it can take a few hours for the symptoms to appear. 

Molds also tend to release allergen-causing spores anytime, unlike pollens which are only produced during particular seasons. This means that a person can expect allergy symptoms throughout the year so long as there is a flourishing colony of molds nearby.

Hay Fever is also known medically as allergic rhinitis.  To stop allergic rhinitis, mast cell inhibitors must top the cells in the nasal area from initiating a series of chemical reactions that prompt allergy symptoms.  Mast cell inhibitors vary in form--they can be in tablets, oral inhalers, or topical ointments.