Hay Fever Treatments

By far the most effective treatment for hay fever is simply to avoid situations that will put you in contact with the allergen you are sensitive to. For example, doing yard work in the spring when all of the flowers are blooming will most likely set off a hay fever attack for those sensitive to flower pollens. By making simple yet effective changes in your lifestyle during the peak hay fever season, you can ward off most of the symptoms associated with hay fever.

There are many simple lifetstyle changes that can be made to help combat hay fever. If however, lifestyle changes are not practical, there are several other options available to help treat the symptoms associated with hay fever.


Medicines for Hay Fever

Over the counter medicines are very often effective in reducing hay fever symptoms.

  • Antihistamines can be taken to stop the release of histamines into the blood stream, thus blocking their action in the immune system. They can result in drowsiness so care must be taken when using them.
  • Decongestants can be used to shrink blood vessels and lessen the amount of fluid the body losses through watery eyes and runny noses. They can, however, increase blood pressure and the rate in which the heart beats.
  • Topical corticosteroids are also sometimes used to help combat any inflammation or swelling that might be caused by a hay fever attack.

Mast Cell Inhibitors

In severe cases, mast cell inhibitors can be used in order to block certain cellular reactions in the mast cells that will lead to the prevention of histamine release, thus blocking the immune response and the symptoms of hay fever. Mast cell inhibitors can be used nasally, orally, topically or as eye drops. For some asthma sufferers who also suffer from hay fever, an inhaler can be used to help alleviate symptoms. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about what options are available.

Immunotherapy Injections

Immunotherapy Injections can also be a useful treatment for hay fever once the offending allergen has been identified. This usually means a series of visits to the GP for a course of injections and treatment should ideally start before the hay fever season begins. The idea being that if the immune system is subjected to the allergen on a regular basis it will become more familiar with it and less sensitive. The amount of allergen in each injection increases steadily until a level is reached that matches the individuals likely daily exposure. By this time, the immune system should no longer see this allergen as a threat and an allergic response will not take place. The major risk with this treatment is the possibility of inducing anaphylaxis, and therefore must be monitored carefully under your GP’s supervision.

Homeopathic Options

For some individuals, a more homeopathic approach to hay fever relief is preferred. Many practitioners feel the routine ingestion of things like nettle, various herbs and bee pollen will help to strengthen the immune system and reduce hay fever symptoms more naturally.

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Guide to Hay Fever