5 hay fever treatment tips for preventing and treating seasonal allergy symptoms.
Seasonal allergies happen for two reasons: genes, and exosure to allergens (substances that trigger your body to have an allergic reaction).
Having one parent with allergies gives you about a 50-50 chance of also having allergies. Your chances of having allergies go even higher if both your parents have allergies.
“Hay fever” symptoms are not usually serious, but they’re no fun: runny nose, scratchy throat, itchy eyes and possibly other symptoms. Spring brings pollen that triggers many people’s allergies (fall is another peak season).
Knowing what allergens trigger your symptoms, knowing when those allergens peak and having strategies for preventing or minimizing your allergic symptoms can help you feel more comfortable during your allergy seasons. Take advantage of some tools that give you information that lets you get ahead of your allergies.
For example, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America measures metro areas for pollen scores, allergy medicine use and number of allergists per person. The pollen load does not directly relate to the number of people with allergies but some parts of the United States have longer growing seasons – when there’s more pollen in the air – than others. The foundation lists Nashville, Tennessee, 29th on its list of the worst 100 U.S. cities for allergy challenges, for example. The foundation describes Nashville as “worse than average” in its scores for pollen counts, allergy medicine use and number of allergists (doctors specializing in treating allergies) per person.
Tips for hay fever treatment
Try these five tips for preventing, minimizing or treating hay fever.
1. Stay inside when pollen counts are high.
One of the best things you can do is avoiding pollen altogether. Keep your home’s windows closed and use pollen-rated filters for your home’s heating and air system. See national pollen count maps to stay informed.
2. If you go outside, change your clothes when you get back inside.
Wear a mask if you’re kicking up a lot of pollen in the yard when mowing or gardening. You should also bathe and wash your hair before bed.
3. Try over-the-counter hay fever treatments or prescription medicines.
You may find relief with nasal corticosteroid sprays. Start them early – before pollen counts start climbing – because steroid sprays can take up to two weeks to begin relieving symptoms. Antihistamines also work best if you time them before seasonal allergy symptoms are likely to occur. There are FDA-approved 24-hour allergy medicines available without a prescription for treating allergy symptoms. If you have questions about these hay fever medicines, read and follow the directions and/or talk to your doctor.
4. Try a saline nasal rinse.
One easy treatment for hay fever is a saline rinse. You may find relief with simple home remedies for hay fever, like salt water rinse bottles or nasal irrigators from the drug store.
5. Visit your doctor or an allergist if you haven’t found relief.
An allergist can identify your specific allergy triggers. Immunotherapy, often called allergy shots, will gradually increase your ability to tolerate allergens. You’ll be treating the cause and not just controlling the symptoms.
Considering allergy shots or getting tested for allergies? Visit the Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program for an evaluation and the most up-to-date treatment recommendations. Call 615-936-2727 for an appointment.
