What is hay fever?
Hay fever is a condition that results in cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. In most cases, it’s an allergic response to indoor or outdoor allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander (allergic rhinitis). Only about one-third of people with hay fever have non-allergic rhinitis in which the immune system isn’t involved. Avoiding the right triggers and finding the right treatment from the caring providers at Allergy and Asthma Consultants can help you manage your hay fever and find relief.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
The signs and symptoms of hay fever include:
- Nasal congestion and runny nose
- Itchy, watery, and red eyes
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Postnasal drip
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
You might find your hay fever symptoms worsen at certain times of the year, and there might be certain seasonal factors and triggers involved, such as tree pollen, which is common in early spring or grass pollen, which is common in summer and late spring.
What causes hay fever?
With hay fever, your immune system typically recognizes a harmless airborne substance as harmful and produces antibodies against this harmful substance.
The next time you come into contact with the substance, the antibodies signal your immune system to release chemicals like histamine into your bloodstream. This causes a reaction that leads to the symptoms and signs of hay fever.
There isn’t a clear and easy way to avoid getting hay fever. You can try strengthening your immune system by living a healthier lifestyle.
How is hay fever treated?
Your provider can diagnose hay fever in a number of ways, such as a skin prick test, an allergy blood test, and a medical history and physical examination.
In addition to limiting your exposure to the substances that can trigger your hay fever, you can also try over-the-counter medications if your hay fever isn’t too severe. Your provider can give you prescription medications for worse symptoms.
Your provider might suggest nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, oral corticosteroids, or other solutions.
Immunotherapy is also a great solution in which you receive regular injections containing tiny, controlled amounts of the allergen over time. The goal is to get your body used to the allergens causing your symptoms and reduce your need for medications.
You can also try sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) allergy tablets under the tongue instead of the injections. Other methods, like using a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity, might also be effective.
Same-day appointments are available at Allergy and Asthma Consultants. Click the online booking tool or call the nearest office to schedule your visit today.
