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How can I Relieve Hay Fever Symptoms?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The symptoms of hay fever include runny eyes, a stuffy nose, and sometimes blotchy, itching skin as well. Fortunately, there are a number of a ways to address these symptoms, both at home and under the care of a doctor. Treatments range from allergy shots, which are designed to desensitize the patient to the allergen causing the hay fever, to dietary changes. Often, the condition can be treated at home; severe cases of hay fever such as those which cause the patient to frequently miss work or school merit a trip to the doctor.

You may hear a doctor referring to hay fever as "allergic rhinitis," which is a more accurate term, referring to the irritation of the nasal passages or rhinitis caused by exposure to environmental allergens. Many people associate hay fever with hay because pollen is a frequent allergen, but numerous other things in the environment can cause the condition as well. One of the first steps in treating hay fever symptoms is identifying what is causing the symptoms, so that you can avoid the allergen.

A nasal spray may be effective at treating hay fever symptoms.
A nasal spray may be effective at treating hay fever symptoms.

Pollen and dander are two common culprits behind hay fever symptoms, since both are airborne and often ubiquitous. If you notice an increase in hay fever symptoms in the spring and summer, pollen is a very likely cause. Try to minimize your exposure by keeping the windows closed and planning outdoor activities for the afternoon, when pollen counts tend to be lower. People with severe hay fever may prefer to stay indoors and take advantage of air conditioning.

A salt water rinse might help with sore throats caused by hay fever.
A salt water rinse might help with sore throats caused by hay fever.

Some over-the-counter medications can help relieve hay fever symptoms. Antihistamines will help to reduce the allergic reaction, bringing associated swelling, itching, and discomfort down. Try to use non-drowsy formulas, if possible, so that you can remain alert and functional while taking the medication. Decongestants also help to stop up a runny nose. If your hay fever is severe, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections, pills, or nasal sprays.

Some hay fever sufferers find relief from their symptoms when drinking chamomile tea.
Some hay fever sufferers find relief from their symptoms when drinking chamomile tea.

Over-the-counter nasal sprays can also help. If you get a sore throat, try gargling with a mild salt water rinse, or drinking soothing teas like peppermint and chamomile. Itchy, watery eyes can be treated with eye drops to relieve redness and temper the allergic reaction. Some people have also found success in eating a diet high in whole grains, vegetables, and healthy oils, such as the Mediterranean diet. Avoid dairy, as it promotes mucus production, which is not desirable when you are already suffering from a runny nose.

Allergy shots can help prevent hay fever symptoms.
Allergy shots can help prevent hay fever symptoms.

In a case where hay fever symptoms are severe and unrelenting, you may want to consider immunotherapy, or allergy shots. Be prepared to commit to an extended course of treatment, as the doctor will test you to determine what, exactly you are allergic to and then treat you for it. Allergy shots may take several months, but they are designed to desensitize you, so that your hay fever symptoms are not nearly so severe.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

bettyboop16

Thank you! I'm going to give it try - anything to get off the Flonase! Thanks again!

samiamb34

I read somewhere it could give you a skin rash or something...

greenthumber

I buy it at a local health food store, but I think you can get it online, too. I use the Solar Ray brand. Sometimes I sneeze after I take it, but I don't have any real side effects from it.

bettyboop16

Where do you you get it? Does it have side effects? I am on Flonase, and it gives me horrible headaches.

greenthumber

I never had allergies until I moved to the Midwest. My doctor put me on a prescription of Zyrtec, which worked well for about eight weeks. After that, I became very tired and felt like I was getting a cold all the time. A friend told me to try an herb called Mullein. I've used it ever since, and it works like a charm.

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    • A nasal spray may be effective at treating hay fever symptoms.
      By: kirillica
      A nasal spray may be effective at treating hay fever symptoms.
    • A salt water rinse might help with sore throats caused by hay fever.
      By: Orlando Bellini
      A salt water rinse might help with sore throats caused by hay fever.
    • Some hay fever sufferers find relief from their symptoms when drinking chamomile tea.
      By: Printemps
      Some hay fever sufferers find relief from their symptoms when drinking chamomile tea.
    • Allergy shots can help prevent hay fever symptoms.
      By: photophonie
      Allergy shots can help prevent hay fever symptoms.
    • Antihistamines can be used to help alleviate symptoms caused by hay fever.
      By: Wellford Tiller
      Antihistamines can be used to help alleviate symptoms caused by hay fever.
    • Stuffy nose is a commons symptom of hay fever.
      By: Syda Productions
      Stuffy nose is a commons symptom of hay fever.