How to Treat Hay Fever

Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, dust and other irritating particles spread through the air. Common symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and sore throat. Finding a method to treat hay fever is only half of the battle. As with other diseases, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Things You'll Need

• Nasal sprays
• Antihistamine medications
• Allergy shots

Instructions

Take Steps to Prevent Hay Fever Irritation

1. Limit your time outdoors during seasons when hay fever is at its worst. Pollen counts are their highest in the morning and evening, so you should make an extra effort to stay indoors during those times. Early afternoon is probably the safest time for a hay fever sufferer to be outdoors.

2. Use your air conditioner instead of window fans. Seal all your windows and doors during spring and summer months to prevent pollen and other environmental irritants from entering your home. Window fans will blow pollen-contaminated air from outdoors through your home.

3. Close the external vents in your car and rely on the air conditioner instead. You can adjust your air conditioning system to re-circulate air from within your car, as opposed to introducing air from outside.

4. Hire someone else to do your yard work. Cutting your grass or tending to a garden can stir pollen, irritating your hay fever symptoms.

5. Wash your hands regularly and refrain from scratching your nose or eyes. Sleep better at night by taking a shower before bed to rinse away any pollen that's collected on your body throughout the day.

Treat Hay Fever Symptoms as They Emerge

1. Find an over-the-counter medication to relieve hay fever symptoms. Ask the pharmacist to recommend decongestant pills. Pseudoepedrine medicines, such as Afrin and Sudafed, can help to ease congestion in your sinuses.

2. Use a nasal spray to relieve congestion. These sprays are relatively inexpensive and can be used throughout the day as hay fever symptoms become problematic.

3. Keep an antihistamine nasal spray on hand throughout the peak of hay fever season. Antihistamines can also be purchased in pill or liquid form, giving you plenty of alternatives. Most antihistamines list drowsiness as a common side effect, though newer medicines have been developed with non-drowsy formulas.

4. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of receiving allergy shots. These shots are given on a regular weekly or bi-weekly schedule to help your body develop an immunity to hay fever. Expect to see results within 6 months, but you'll probably need to continue the treatment for several years.

Tips & Warnings

• Decongestant nasal sprays are not recommended for prolonged use. If you use a nasal sprays to treat hay fever for more than 3 days straight, it can actually contribute to congestion problems instead of easing them.