Despite its name, hay fever has nothing to do with hay or fever. A nineteenth-century physician called it this because he began to sneeze every time he entered a hay barn. Hay fever is, actually, a reaction of the upper respiratory tract to anything to which you may be allergic. The medical term for hay fever is "allergic rhinitis." Hay fever is most common in spring and fall (when ragweed is particularly troublesome), but some people have it all year.
Symptoms
Itchy, watery eyes
Runny, itchy nose
Congestion
Sneezing
Try to avoid things that give you hay fever. Talk to your doctor if that
doesn't help. He or she may prescribe any of the following:
Antihistamines. For best results,
take the antihistamine 30 minutes before going outside.{Note: Some
over-the-counter antihistamines may cause more drowsiness than prescription ones. Also,
care should be taken when driving and operating machinery since antihistamines can make
you drowsy.}
Decongestants. These do not usually
cause drowsiness.
Nasal sprays. Use as directed by your
doctor.
Other things, like cromolyn sodium or
steroids
Skin tests to find out what things you are
allergic to
Allergy shots if your hay fever is very
bad. First, you have a skin test. Then you get shots that have a tiny bit of the allergen.
The shots help your body get used to the allergens, so you won't be so sensitive to it.
It is best to take what your doctor prescribes instead of experimenting with over-the-counter products on your own.
Is it so hard for you to breathe that you can't
talk (say 4 or 5 words between breaths)?  |
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| Do you have severe breathing difficulties or severe
wheezing? |
|
Do you have any symptoms of an infection such as: Fever Nasal discharge or mucus that is green or
yellow or bloody-colored Headache or muscle aches |
 |
| Do you still have hay fever symptoms when you avoid
hay fever triggers? |
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| Do hay fever symptoms interfere with your daily
activities? |
|
Stay Away From Things That Give You Hay Fever:
Let someone else do outside
chores. Mowing the lawn or raking leaves can make you very sick if you are allergic to
pollen from grains, trees, or weeds. It's a problem if you are allergic to molds, too.
Keep windows and doors shut and stay inside
when the pollen count or humidity is high. Early morning is sometimes the worst.
Put an air conditioner or air cleaner in
your house, especially in your bedroom. Be sure to clean the filter often.
To keep dust, mold, and pollen away from
you at home and work:
Dust and vacuum your home often. Wear a dust and pollen mask if necessary.
Wash rugs.
Add an electronic air filter to your furnace or use portable air purifiers.
Take carpets and drapes out of your bedroom.
Cover your mattress with a plastic cover.
Do not use a feather pillow.
Stay away from stuffed animals. They collect dust.
Don't have pets, or keep your pets outside the house.
Don't hang sheets and blankets outside to dry. Pollen can get on them.
Shower or bathe and wash your hair following heavy exposure to pollens, dust, etc.
Avoid tobacco smoke and other air
pollutants.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99