Hay Fever

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis, and is an allergic response to indoor or outdoor allergens. Substances like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are common triggers for the cold-like signs and symptoms of hay fever. Most people with hay fever experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. It is different from a cold in that all of the symptoms can present at once, symptoms will last for as long as the person is exposed to the allergen, and it is not caused by a virus. Hay fever does tend to be seasonal with symptoms getting worse at different times of the year. In the early spring, tree pollen is a common cause, while grass pollen is more prevalent in late spring and summer, and ragweed pollen peaks in the autumn.

When should a doctor be consulted?

While symptoms can often be treated at home with over-the-counter antihistamines, a doctor should be consulted if the OTC treatments do not provide relief or if they cause any limiting side effects. If a patient has another condition that can be exacerbated by hay fever, like nasal polyps, asthma or chronic sinus infections, a doctor should be consulted.

How is hay fever treated?

As with most allergies, avoidance is the best way to prevent a reaction and limit the need for treatment. However, there are a number of treatments, both medical and non-medical that can help relieve the symptoms of hay fever. Some of the medications include:

• Nasal corticosteroids are prescription nasal spray to treat nasal inflammation, itching and dripping.
• Oral corticosteroids like prednisone can be taken orally to relieve severe symptoms but can not be used as a long term solution.
• Antihistamines are usually administered in pill form to help with itching, sneezing and a runny nose.
• Decongestants treat the congestion associated with hay fever.
• Cromolyn sodium is an over the counter nasal spray that prevents the release of histamine and is most effective before symptoms present.
• Allergy shots may be suggested to reduce the patient’s sensitivity to allergens over time.
• Sinus rinsing is a quick and inexpensive way to reduce congestion as it flushes excess mucus as well as allergens from the nasal passage.