How to Resolve the Symptoms of Hay Fever
Hay fever affects millions of Americans every year. Respiratory allergy symptoms generally appear after exposure to an allergen that creates an immune system reaction. The most common hay fever allergens include mold, ragweed, pollen and dust. The best line of defense is to avoid exposure to these allergens. But many are impossible to avoid, especially in the summer and fall, therefore you must treat the symptoms of the immune system reaction as they occur.
Instructions
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Limit exposure. Minimize exposure to a known allergen by remaining indoors when the pollen or mold count is high. In addition, avoid outdoor activities on windy, humid days. After spending time outdoors, take a shower or bathe, being sure to wash your hair thoroughly. Be sure to put on clean clothing after bathing. Vacuum often and wash pets on a regular basis to minimize allergens indoors.
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Take an over-the-counter medication to assist in easing hay fever symptoms. There are many different antihistamine and decongestant medications on the market. Antihistamines have little effect on congestion, but can help with sneezing, itching and a runny nose. Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion brought on by hay fever. A pharmacist can advise as to which medication would be best for a particular set of symptoms.
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Use an over-the-counter antihistamine nasal spray to aid in relieving congestion. Nasal sprays assist in easing nasal itching, nasal inflammation and runny nose brought on by hay fever. Nasal sprays are reasonably priced. These can be used several times throughout the day if hay fever symptoms become challenging.
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Set up an appointment with a doctor to discuss the possibility of prescription medication or allergy shots. If allergy shots are prescribed, they are usually injected on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule to assist the body in developing immunity to the allergens that produce hay fever.
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References
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