Hay Fever Allergies | Find Relief From Your Symptoms

Approximately 27 million people suffer from hay fever every year. Hay fever can be also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis which is basically a form of pollen allergy. It is a very common condition and is basically a result from seasonal plants producing pollens which can be released from dust particles or other airborne chemicals. It is important to keep in mind that although hay fever resembles a cold it is not a virus but rather an allergic reaction to certain substances within your environment. Symptoms of hay fever may include some or all of the following: nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and possibly a skin rash of some sort.

There are various treatments available to those who suffer from hay fever allergies. Medical treatments are not necessarily required in the majority of cases. There are many options available to those who have hay fever and while some may require medical treatments the majority of them simply require at home self care methods to ease the symptoms. In any case there is always a treatment available for any form of hay fever whether it is mild or severe.

The best treatment for people who suffer hay fever is to altogether avoid pollen. Prevention before your allergic reaction works no matter what you are allergic to. In any case no matter how severe your pollen allergy is you should always seek the advice from your doctor on the best treatment method to follow. Your doctor can give you the best ideas on how to ease the symptoms of your seasonal hay fever allergy, and maybe even suggest some more natural remedies.

What Specific Medical Treatments Are Available To Give You Relief?

Taking medications containing antihistamines might be a treatment your doctor discusses with you. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine which is an inflamatory chemical released from your immune system during an allergic reaction. This form of medicine is typically available over the counter in the form of oral medications as well as nasal sprays that can help ease the symptoms of itchy, sneezing, and runny nose. However, this medication does not help the congestion symptom so you may need to take a decongestant if you experience that. The common well known forms of an antihistamine are Benadryl™ or Chlor-Trimeton™. Keep in mind that these well known medications may make you drowsy so be careful driving. If your hay fever is more severe your doctor may give you a prescription for Zyrtec™ or possibly Allegra™ as both are not available over the counter.

Another helpful medication for treating your hay fever allergy is a decongestant. Decongestants are a form of medication often combined with antihistamines to relieve hay fever symptoms. These are also available over the counter as well as by a prescription from your doctor or allergist. Decongestants come packaged as a liquid, tablet, and even a nasal spray. Be aware that oral decongestants have a tendency to elevate your blood pressure so your doctor may have you avoid them altogether if you currently have hypertension. They can also worsen the symptoms of a condition known as prostate enlargement which can make urination more difficult. Nasal decongestant sprays should not be used for more than three days at a time due to the fact that they could cause a rebound in the signs of congestion. Be advised that it is always best to consult with your doctor for the best treatment to relieve your hay fever allergy as your medical history will weigh in the decision.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays work well to decrease the inflammation within your nasal passages, which ultimately relieve your nasal decongestion. This form of nasal spray is commonly known by the over the counter brand names of Rhinocort™ or the popular Flonase™ brand. Keep in mind that there are many other brands available that are not mentioned within this web page. Nasal sprays work well to ease your hay fever allergy discomfort but they may not be the best choice for those of you that have a severe case. Corticosteroid nasal sprays like other nasal sprays should not be used for a long period of time for the symptoms may rebound even worse than before.

If by using medications you get no relief from your hay fever symptoms, your doctor may suggest immunotherapy or allergy shots as they are commonly known. This type of allergy remedy is used over a two to five year period in which a patient will receive regularly scheduled injections of a petrified allergen extract. The ultimate goal with this therapy is to eventually desenitize your body to the affects of the allergen and eventually decrease your need for any medications. The immunotherapy treatment is especially effective if you are allergic to pet dander, dust mites, and anything containing pollen. Allergy shots rarely causes severe allergic reactions but you should keep in mind that this form of therapy is an alternative if other options are not effective in reducing your allergy symptoms.