HAY FEVER
Each spring, summer, and fall, trees, weeds and grasses release tiny pollen grains into the air. Some of the pollen ends up in your nose and throat. This can trigger a type of allergy called hay fever. If you have hay fever, you are not alone. An estimated 26.1 million Americans have hay fever symptoms each year. 14.6 million Americans have asthma, which can often accompany hay fever. Taking medicines, using nasal sprays and rinsing out your nose can relieve symptoms. Allergy shots can help make you less sensitive to pollen and provide long-term relief.
Symptoms of Hay Fever can include:
- Sneezing, often with a runny or clogged nose
- Coughing and postnasal drip
- Itching eyes, nose and throat
- Dark circles under the eyes
HOW TO CONTROL HAY FEVER (American Lung Association Guidelines): Avoiding the substance that causes a reaction is the best way to control hay fever. Moving to a different part of the country is sometimes suggested, but taking this drastic and expensive step may prove useless if the person has or develops sensitivity to a substance common in the new location.
Using air conditioning and air purifying devices may help cut down on suffering during the hay fever season, so that normal sleep and work are possible. Dust masks should be used during outdoor work if the work cannot be avoided.
Antihistamines - drugs that counteract the histamine released by the allergen-antibody reaction (see "Sensitivity And How It Works," above ) - usually serve to give relief from some symptoms. Decongestants may help, as well. However, they don't affect the underlying sensitivity. Each individual has to depend on his or her doctor to find out what drug or combination of drugs works best.
Over-the-counter nose sprays are usually of limited value and their prolonged use may actually cause symptoms or make them worse. Inhaled steroids are often effective and may be prescribed by a doctor. Specific desensitizing injections are a commonly used treatment.
(Sources: Medline Plus/ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ American Lung Association)
