Effective Ways To Treat Hay Fever

The approach of spring and summer is not a joyous occasion for all individuals. With warmer weather comes unpleasant hay fever symptoms that affect millions each year. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology states nearly eight percent of the United States population suffers from hay fever. You can either have seasonal or perennial hay fever. If you suffer from seasonal hay fever, you will experience potentially miserable symptoms in the spring, summer, and early fall. If you are unfortunate enough to have perennial hay fever, you will have symptoms all year. You can experience worse symptoms some years over others when pollen counts increase. It is also possible for symptoms will vary based on where you live and the places you visit. Get to know the effective ways to treat cases of hay fever now.

Gargle With Salt Water

One of the side effects of hay fever is a scratchy, itchy throat, which can be incredibly irritating to yourself and others in your vicinity as you constantly try to clear your throat. Fortunately, gargling with salt water can be quite beneficial for this, though it is important to note a salt water gargle could potentially irritate your throat temporarily. However, the benefits far outweigh the momentary uncomfortable reaction. Salt water gargling will help reduce inflammation and prevent infection, and will also help reduce the bad bacteria in your mouth and the possibility of respiratory infections. As a bonus, you will clear your nasal passages. Make sure the water is warm enough to dissolve the salt, but not so hot that you risk burning your throat.

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Antihistamines

Histamines are released into your body when you have an allergic reaction to hay fever. Antihistamines are used to counteract these reactions and symptoms so you can function as a human rather than the monster or zombie you become under the influence of histamines. You can find these histamine fighters nearly any place with a pharmacy or over-the-counter medications. This might be a gas station, supermarket, or general retail store. Individuals with more severe reactions can get antihistamines recommended by their doctor rather than over-the-counter options with lower dosages. If you know you are going to be in a trigger zone, whether it be in a dusty house or a pollen-filled park, try to take medication at least thirty minutes before exposure.

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Decongestants

Another irritating symptom of hay fever is nasal pressure and congestion, which can make it quite difficult to breathe and make your life miserable on a daily basis. You will find most decongestants in pill form as an over-the-counter medication. However, if you have severe congestion reactions, you can see a doctor for a recommendation. Unlike other methods to treat hay fever, decongestants can cause many issues if used with other medications. For example, if you take medication to modify your behavior or emotional well-being, speak with a doctor first. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or are pregnant, speak with your doctor before using anti-congestion pills to solve your side effects.

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Leukotriene Inhibitors

Leukotriene inhibitors are used to treat allergic reactions associated with hay fever, as well as to treat asthma patients. These inhibitors have become quite popular due to the fact they are an oral medication rather than an inhaled remedy. Patients also prefer this hay fever fighter over inhaled versions because they are far more convenient, and they do not have the known negative associations with the long-term side effects of inhalers. You will require a referral from a doctor for this medication, though it is safe for both children and adults at varying dosages. You might like to know the oral version of these inhibitors is less effective than inhaler versions, though they still work well.

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Immunotherapy

As if having allergic reactions to hay fever was not enough, you might be one of the many sufferers who does not respond successfully to hay fever medication. Alternatively, you could be one of the many patients who experience debilitating side effects of hay fever medication. If this is you, immunotherapy is a healthy, safe, and effective alternative, and an ideal solution for patients who wish to eliminate their allergy symptoms on a more permanent basis. You might choose to receive allergy shots, which can take up to five years of frequent injections with a gradual increase in dosage levels to help your body build up a resistance to allergens. You might also choose a sublingual tablet course of action where you take a pill each day for up to three years.