Do You Have Hay Fever?

Hay fever is another name for seasonal allergies. Do you have it?

Hay fever plagues many individuals during certain seasons. Other names for the malady are allergic rhinitis or pollenosis. These seasonal allergies often happen during the spring or summer months when plants, trees, weeds, grasses, blossoms and pollen are blooming and plentiful. In the human immune system, these allergens of tiny bits of pollen, dust and plant seeds trigger reactions that are quite uncomfortable for the sufferer. Air pollution is another culprit in making hay fever sufferers especially miserable. Some of the symptoms include:

- Sneezing: Constant and uncontrollable sneezing often occurs.
- Watery or red eyes: Eyes become puffy, watery and irritated into a red or pink color.
- Runny nose: The nose runs in a clear mucous which can be perceived as a cold or sinus infection. Allergy mucous is clear, whereas a sinus infection or cold can have mucous that turns yellow or green. The yellow or green is a sign of infection, as well as the presence of an odor in the runoff.
- Itching: Itching can occur in the eyes, nose and all over the body.
- Swelling: Swelling of all of these bodily pathways are another reaction that occurs.
- Hives: Hives occur in sufferers who are especially sensitive to the pollen and dust particles.
- Rashes: Skin rashes may emerge as well in the highly sensitive individual.

There are steps that individuals can take to manage their difficulties with hay fever including:

- Stay away from the allergen: If you know what it is that you’re allergic to, stay away from it. If it’s pine pollen, for example, stay indoors during the season where the pines are dropping it. Don’t plant pine trees in your yard. If you live in a region where they are prevalent, stay inside as much as you can during that time of the year and consider wearing a mask when outdoors. Use your air conditioner rather than having the windows open. Use a clothes dryer instead of hanging the laundry out of doors.

- Over-the-counter medications: There are different types of medications that can be purchased over the counter to alleviate symptoms.

o Nasal sprays: There are various sprays that can be purchased that may help.

o Decongestants: Sudafed, Actifed and Drixoral can be purchased at a drugstore without a prescription. 
There are side effects that some people may not be able to tolerate well including insomnia, sleepiness and high blood pressure.

o Prescription medication: A doctor can prescribe various medicines that can help, including:

Antihistamines
Prescription tablets
Prescription nasal sprays
Corticosteroids taken orally

o Alternative treatments:

Allergy shots: A physician can give allergy shots to sufferers which may help over time.
Neti pot: A neti pot or bulb syringe may be used to rinse your nose and sinuses. This is an old fashioned method which is highly effective.

Allergies and hay fever can be uncomfortable, but they’re not life threatening. With some lifestyle changes and a combination of self care, over-the-counter and prescription medications, individuals can make it through the season with a bit less misery.

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