How to Relieve Your Hay Fever

Hay fever affects approximately one in every five Americans.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is a condition that causes the body's immune system to have an exaggerated reaction to irritants such as pollen, animal dander or mold. Symptoms may include itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, congestion or sore throat. While hay fever may seem relatively harmless, it can lead to more serious problems, such as ear or sinus infections, if left untreated. A combination of preventive measures and medication usually offers relief, but if symptoms do not improve after home treatment you will need to visit your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Antihistamine
• Decongestant
• Anti-inflammatory nasal spray
• Vitamin C supplement

Instructions

1. Stay indoors as much as possible and keep the windows closed on days when the pollen count is high. If you do have to venture outside, take a shower and change your clothes as soon as you are back indoors.

2. Vacuum daily, especially in your bedroom and rooms that have exterior doors, even if the floors aren't carpeted, to remove irritants that would otherwise be floating in the air.

3. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve mild symptoms. This type of medication reduces the amount of histamine --- which causes inflammation and fluid production --- your body releases and will, in turn, alleviate symptoms.

4. Try an over-the-counter decongestant if you are suffering from a stuffy nose. These work by shrinking the blood vessels inside the nose, making it easier for you to breathe.

5. Use an anti-inflammatory nasal spray daily for faster relieve of a stuffy nose. Closely follow directions for use because extended or excessive use of nasal spray may aggravate hay fever.

6. Add a 2,000-milligram vitamin C supplement to your daily routine. Vitamin C contains some histamine-fighting properties and is thought to help strengthen your immune system.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using a HEPA air filter in your bedroom at night.

• Individuals who suffer from an enlarged prostate or high blood pressure should not take decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine.

• Do not use any type of decongestant if you have chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Hay Fever
• Rush University Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis
• University of Michigan Health System: Allergic Rhinitis