Treatment
Options for Hay Fever
Hay fever can be a nasty condition to deal
with, and many people see their doctors with this complaint each year.
There are several options when dealing
with hay fever. Be aware of them and check with your medical practitioner so that you can deal with the hay fever
and move on with the symptoms now minimized.
Nasal
Decongestants
Nasal decongestants come in the form of a
spray, and can be prescribed by your doctor. They reduce swelling and make it easier to breathe. Prolonged use can
cause irritation inside the nose, so keep this remedy for occasional use only. There are different types of nasal
decongestants, and some include antihistamines.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines block histamine, which is
the main player in the allergic reaction that causes hay fever in the first place. When you take an antihistamine,
you can choose to take it preventatively or as required. Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, so be aware of
this issue if you plan to be driving, or need to be alert for your job or other activities.
Corticosteroids
If a plugged-up nose is one of your main
hay fever symptoms, corticosteroids may be recommended to you. They are anti-inflammatory and therefore will help
unblock a stuffy nose and other congestion. These are often the most effective block against hay
fever.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is generally a last resort
for when other remedies fail to have the desired effect. Immunotherapy can be done in one of two ways… by tablets
inserted under the tongue, and by an injection under the skin. This procedure is generally done in a controlled
environment in case of an anaphylactic reaction to the substance upon administering it.
Immunotherapy builds your immunity to the
allergen so that its effect on you is not as extreme as usual, and you are eventually no longer set off by it.
Immunotherapy should show improvement in your tolerance to the allergen within one year, and treatment is usually
continued for three years to become desensitized to the allergen.
Nasal
Irrigation
This is becoming a much more common
remedy. You can go to your local pharmacy and generally find a variety of nasal irrigation systems to choose from.
Rinsing allergens from your nose and sinuses with sterile saline can bring major relief to allergy sufferers. Pick
up a neti pot or other system, and give it a try.
Natural Remedies
There are many natural remedies for hay
fever. Although medical practitioners may not be able to prescribe all these treatments for you, many have no
dangerous side effects and plenty of individuals feel that they are therefore at least worth a
try.
Remedies such as local bee pollen,
anti-inflammatory nutrients and simple stress relief can work wonders for allergic rhinitis. You don’t have to
search far to find many basic remedies that may or may not work for you.
Hay fever is disheartening, but there are
many options when you want to get rid of symptoms. Everyone’s body is different, and all will react to each method
as an individual. Speak with your healthcare practitioner and decide which hay fever treatment might be right for
you.
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