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What to Do for a Hay Fever Attack

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a reaction caused by exposure to an allergic substance in your environment. Symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus pressure, sneezing and coughing according to The Complete Allergy Book by Dr. Frank K. Kwong and Bruce W. Cook. Effective treatment of hay fever requires removing the allergen from the environment by thoroughly cleaning the area, taking over-the-counter medication to reduce symptoms and trying natural, alternative remedies. If these treatments do not lower the occurrence of hay fever, contact your doctor for prescription medication or alternative options such as surgery.

  1. Medication

    • Antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids are all allergy medications that can help temporarily alleviate hay fever symptoms. Antihistamines block your histamine receptor sites, which attract histamines and produce allergy symptoms. The medication coats the receptor sites thereby making it difficult for the allergen to attach to the sites. Decongestants constrict your blood vessels, which limits how much air passes through and allows inflamed tissue to reduce in size. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation caused by the allergen, which allows you to breathe easier and lessens sinus pressure and facial pain, according to The Complete Allergy Book. These medications come in pill form and also as a nasal spray, and should be taken as directed.

    Environmental Adjustments

    • Wiping down your hard surfaces, using air purifiers and vacuuming weekly can reduce the amount of allergens in your home and dramatically decrease the risk of future allergic reactions. If you have central air and heat you should change your filters every month, as allergens can accumulate and spread throughout your home. Pets should be washed weekly with a gentle shampoo, as it can cut down on pet dander. Avoid going outside when the pollen count is high, such as in the early morning, as well as rainy and windy days. When doing yard work wear a dust mask to avoid breathing in pollen and mold. You can also cut down on the amount of allergens in your home by keeping the windows closed at night and during pollen season.

    Alternative Therapy

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, you can take honey on a daily basis to naturally reduce allergic reactions caused by hay fever. In addition, butterbur extract can help reduce and prevent allergy symptoms. When taken as an herbal supplement, the extract works similar to antihistamines to lessen the severity of symptoms. As with any medication you should contact your doctor before using it to guarantee its safety.

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