HAY FEVER

Hay fever is the name given for allergies caused by seasonal pollens. Wind-borne pollens from tree pollens, grasses, and weeds affect most hay-fever sufferers. Some are affected by direct contact to a plant with pollen. Airborne pollens are greatest during the peak of the pollinating season for the particular plant. Molds and fungus spores cause reactions in many people when airborne during the summer and fall months.

Another name for hay fever is seasonal allergic rhinitis. Although the cause of allergy in hay fever usually comes from plant pollen, allergic rhinitis can have other causes. These can be things like feathers, dust mites, or animal dander. Sometimes it is hard to know whether a stuffy nose or itchy eyes is due to pollen or another cause.

Hay fever symptoms include sneezing; itching and weeping eyes; stuffy or watery nose; itching of the ear canals, nose, throat, or mouth; and cough. Fatigue and a feeling of exhaustion may also be experienced.

These allergic attacks may last 15 to 20 minutes, or for several days. People with hay fever usually have symptoms at the same time every year, when certain plants bloom. For many, hay fever is only a minor problem, but for others it interferes with daily activities.

The best way to control the symptoms of hay fever is to avoid the pollens and dusts. Staying indoors during the pollen season is helpful. This is particularly true on dry windy days when pollen counts are high. Keep windows and doors closed and air conditioning on at home and when riding in vehicles during the allergic season. Use a good air filter at home. Run a dehumidifier at home to reduce humidity (which may allow mold to grow). Be sure to keep your house especially clean during the pollen season to reduce levels of pollen and mold in the air.

Many hay fever symptoms are so mild that they need no treatment. When hay fever is suspected, the healthcare provider will usually suggest taking over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. If the symptoms are not relieved, allergy testing may be recommended to identify the specific pollen causing the problem. If allergy symptoms are severe, a series of injections may be recommended. These "allergy shots" eventually help most people with severe symptoms.

In mild cases of hay fever, over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants may provide relief. Decongestants are used to shrink the swollen tissues lining the ear, nose and sinuses. Antihistamines treat and prevent symptoms. Decongestants and antihistamines may be taken together.

There are several prescription nasal sprays that can be very helpful. These come in the form of steroids and cromolyn and work best to prevent symptoms when used regularly. Both can be taken with decongestants and antihistamines. However, over-the-counter nasal sprays, after several days of usage may actually make nasal congestion worse. For this reason, they are not recommended.

Be sure to know what the side effects are for any drug you take. You can check with your pharmacist or provider to see if these drugs may interact with other drugs you are taking.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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