What is the Treatment for Hay Fever?
Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is the nasal allergy to pollen. This allergy occurs when trees and flowers release pollen. Trees release pollen during the spring, grasses release pollen during the summer and ragweed is active during both seasons. Pollen triggers an immune response in the body, which causes symptoms like runny nose, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and sore throat. There is no cure for hay fever. Treatments for hay fever are focused at reducing occurrences and severity of symptoms.
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Immunotherapy
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Immunotherapy is the desensitizing of the immune system to the pollen that triggers hay fever. Through skin tests and blood tests the allergen is discovered. Over the period of three to five years, shots containing the allergen are given. The allergy shots become increasingly stronger as the treatment continues. Once finished the symptoms lessen in severity or disappear.
Medication
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Antihistamines can be taken either orally or inhaled. These block the action of histamines produced by the immune system. Antihistamines relieve runny nose and itching. Leukotriene modifiers work in a similar manner by blocking leukotrienes that the immune system produces. Oral decongestants make it easier to breathe. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are prescribed to reduce nasal inflammation. These sprays do not enter the bloodstream so side effects are minimal, but it takes several weeks before the spray becomes effective.
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Environment
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Reduce your exposure to pollens to prevent hay fever attacks. Keep windows at home and in the car closed. Use an air conditioner during hot days and keep the air-conditioner filter clean. Stay indoors during the morning while the pollen level is the highest. Do not line dry your clothes, towels or bedding. Pollen can become trapped in the fabric. Avoid mowing the lawn or being outside when the mowing is occurring. This stirs up pollen trapped in the grass and makes them airborne.
Risk Factors
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Risk factors for hay fever include having other allergies, being younger than 50 and having a parent with hay fever. This suggests that hay fever is genetic.
Alternative Treatment
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Acupuncture helps to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Herbal therapy calls for butterbur, stinging nettles and southernwood nasal sprays. These relieve hay fever symptoms.
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References
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- Photo Credit Meadow photo by Jenny Downing http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenny-pics/3541179281/
