Like all allergies, the best way to cope with hay fever is to always avoid the things that seem to known to generate a response. Clearly, this certainly isn’t always practical, but minimizing one’s exposure needs to be the basis for good approach. You will find about as many different ways to treat hay fever as there are people that are affected by it. These particular solutions are categorized in 3 major categories: medication, homeopathic solutions (home remedies) and other treatment options.
Medication
As a response to the allergens, the body releases Histamine, which causes the symptoms of Hay fever. Due to this, the quickest way to receive respite might be with an anti-histamine of some type. Anti-histamines combat the effect of histamine and give relief from hay fever symptoms. But nevertheless, you shouldn’t wait until you feel symptoms of hay fever to take an anti-histamine. The reason for this is that when you are beginning to experience allergic reactions, your immune system has already released the histamine and the harm is done. All an anti-histamine has the potential to do now is stop the release of extra histamine. Because of this, anti-histamines are a considerably more helpful remedy for hay fever if used on a regular basis during the allergy season. Such treatments can be employed to minimize and treat allergic rhinitis problems.
Anti-histamines can be found in many types such as pills, inhalers, nebulizers, and even eye-drops. Both over the counter as well as prescription, several well known manufacturers are Clarityn, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Piriteze, Loratadine, Cetirizine, and also Piriton. Similarly, many brands offer acceptable varieties of these items for little ones.
To cope with additional symptoms like nasal congestion and irritation, a decongestant can usually supply relief. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can be obtained over the counter in both tablet or liquid form. Another kind of decongestant that has been shown effective are nasal sprays. These are designed to prevent and treat symptoms of Hay fever. Brands such as Afrin and Allerclear are some of the better known nasal sprays available. A clear nose can make you feel better at once. Beware of overusing these items though. Nasal Sprays can have negative side affects like insomnia, higher blood pressure and an elevated heart-rate. Whats more, nasal sprays can actually complicate matters if used too often, creating a rebound effect. When used appropriately these decongestants can help immensely.
As you can see, allergy and hay fever medication can be found over the counter in numerous forms, plus for more difficult cases prescription strength versions are accessible and effective.
Home Remedies
For modest cases, hay fever may be dealt with sufficiently using simple home remedies along with allergy-proofing your home. However, even for people with severe cases these methods ought to prove invaluable for controlling the effects of allergy symptoms. There are a number of home remedies which have been found useful in controlling the effects of hay fever. Here are a few of them:
- Gargling warm salt water might help a sore throat
- Herbs like Ginger (can help strengthen the immune system) along with Garlic (a natural decongestant)
- Using lip balm around your nostrils
- Keeping all things in your house clean – especially dusting and washing the floor coverings often
- Have the windows and doors closed and use the A/C during hay fever season.
Other Solutions
In addition to medications and home remedies there are still some alternative treatment practices which have produced results. Allergy shots, or immunotherapy has a great success rate and also might be more or less a cure after a long duration of treatment. This method works by incrementally exposing your immune system to the allergen and therefore successively lessening your reaction to it. Some people have also had success by a number of herbal remedies and supplements, while other people even claim that such things as hypnosis and acupuncture have helped.
It is incredibly difficult to prevent hay fever as airborne plant pollen and spores induce it. Nevertheless treatment options exist to make it easier to control and treat your symptoms. Knowledge of precisely what provokes your allergies and getting a treatment plan set up beforehand will help curtail the consequences they have on your life.