Allergy Care

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Introduction

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a reaction of the upper respiratory tract to anything to which you may be allergic. It is most common in spring and fall, but some people have it all year. Hay fever is so named by a nineteenth-century physician because he began to sneeze every time he entered the hay barn. Hay fever is often triggered by ragweed, grass, and oak, sycamore, and birch tree pollen. If your allergies are constant, you may be allergic to other types of pollen, dust mites, or animal dander (dandruff). Some people with allergies can go on to develop asthma.

Symptoms

Sneezing; watery eyes; an itchy, runny nose; an itchy throat, eyes, and ears; and nasal congestion.

Treatment

The good news is that allergies can be easy to treat. Your first line of defense is to avoid the allergens, the substances that you are allergic to. If you find this is not completely effective you will want to talk with your primary care provider. He or she may prescribe antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines stop your body from making histamine. This is a substance produced by your body when you are exposed to an allergen. Histamine is what causes the allergic symptoms. Taking the antihistamine 30 minutes before going outside may produce the best results. It is important to note that some antihistamines may cause drowsiness, especially with the over the counter products. Due to the potential drowsiness, care must be taken with driving or operating heavy machinery.

Decongestants

Decongestants relieve nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nose. They do not stop sneezing or itchy eyes. They do not cause drowsiness but sometimes they can cause jitteriness and insomnia.

Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays work by producing an anti-inflammatory effect on the nasal tissue that has been irritated by the allergen. It is important to speak with your primary care provider before using any nasal sprays for more than three days as they can cause dependence.

Self-Care Tips

• Avoid things that cause your hay fever. Mowing the lawn or raking the leaves can expose you to several allergens (molds, grains, trees, weeds) that can cause the symptoms. Let someone else do these chores or consider wearing a mask.
• Keep windows and doors shut and stay inside when the pollen count is the highest, usually in the morning. An air conditioner in the house, especially in the bedroom, will be extremely helpful. It is important to clean the filter often.
• Avoid tobacco smoke and other air pollutants.
• Try to keep dust, mold and pollen away from you at home and at work:
  • Dust and vacuum your home often, at least weekly. Wear a dust-and-pollen mask or have someone else do these chores.
  • Wash rugs.
  • Take carpets and drapes out of the bedroom.
  • Cover your mattress with a plastic cover.
  • No feather pillows.
  • Avoid stuffed animals. They are dust collectors.
  • Avoid pets or if you must have one try to keep it outside.
  • Don’t hang sheets and blankets outside where they can collect pollen.
  • Bathe, shower and wash your hair frequently after heavy exposure to pollens, dust, etc.