Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a condition that causes an allergic reaction to pollen. Symptoms of hay fever can include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, a sore throat, and a cough.
There is no cure for hay fever, but there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve symptoms. The most effective treatment will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Some common treatments for hay fever include:
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a substance that is released by your body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can help to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
- Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays can help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. This can help to relieve symptoms such as a stuffy nose, a runny nose, and sneezing.
- Eye drops: Eye drops can help to relieve itchy, red, and watery eyes.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, involves gradually exposing you to small amounts of the pollen that you are allergic to. This can help to reduce your body's allergic reaction to pollen over time.
In addition to medication, there are a number of things you can do to help prevent or relieve hay fever symptoms, such as:
- Avoiding pollen: If possible, avoid being outdoors on days when the pollen count is high. You can check the pollen count online or in your local newspaper.
- Wearing a mask: If you must go outside on a day with high pollen count, wear a mask to help filter out the pollen.
- Taking a shower: After being outside, take a shower and wash your hair to remove any pollen that may have gotten on you.
- Changing your clothes: After being outside, change your clothes to remove any pollen that may have gotten on you.
- Using a humidifier: A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to relieve symptoms such as a stuffy nose and a dry throat.
- Cleaning your home: Regularly vacuum and dust your home to remove pollen. You may also want to consider using a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
If your hay fever symptoms are severe or do not respond to over-the-counter medications, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe stronger medications or refer you to an allergist for further treatment.