Hay Fever, also known as Allergic Rhinitis, is a common condition that affects nearly 20% of all people worldwide. This unfortunate condition is related to allergies, and is usually a result of exposure to something a person is allergic to.
What Causes Hay Fever?
Commonly, these substances that cause the problems include pollen, mold, and pet dander. When a person has allergies to one of these substances, exposure can trigger Hay Fever. Allergic Rhinitis can occur at any time of the year, but is very common in spring through late summer when there is a lot of pollen in the air. Pollen from flowers releases into the air and the wind spreads the pollen for miles. People who are allergic will become affected when they ingest, inhale, touch, or swallow this substance. The foreign substances such as pollen are generally harmless to most people; however, the protective immune system overreacts and tries to fend off the unfamiliar substance it has been exposed to. This instantaneously causes a response triggering bothersome symptoms in those suffering from Allergic Rhinitis. Hay Fever treatment involves finding what a person is allergic too, and determining which treatment option works best for them.
Is it Really Hay Fever?
When deciding on the perfect Hay Fever treatment, it is best to establish if it is really Allergic Rhinitis, or if a common cold is to blame. First of all, determine what allergies the individual has, and confirm if they have been exposed to any of these allergens. If they have indeed been exposed to an allergen, Hay Fever treatment with over -the- counter medications is likely required. Furthermore, did the person's symptoms appear suddenly? If the answer is yes, Allergic Rhinitis should be considered as the culprit. Allergic Rhinitis symptoms usually appear suddenly, and disappear within a few hours of being exposed to the foreign substance. On the other hand, symptoms of a common cold can last for several days or even weeks and often show up a few days after being exposed to the virus; usually from another person who had a cold. Another symptom to differentiate the two is that usually, Allergic Rhinitis does not produce a fever or a sore, achy body. Often, with a common cold a fever and achy body may be present. Fatigue is usually present in both conditions, often from medications. Hay fever management also depends on the severity of the symptoms. For some, over -the- counter medication is effective, while others must seek care from their physician for a stronger and more effective Hay Fever treatment.
How Can I Treat It?
It is best to simply avoid pollen in the air, pet dander, mold, and other triggers of hay fever in order to manage allergic rhinitis. However, this is not always possible, and medications are often needed. Benadryl, with the active ingredient Diphenhydramine, is often the preferred over-the-counter medication for allergic rhinitis management. Be careful when consuming this medication however, because it can cause a person to become very drowsy. It is not recommended to operate a vehicle when taking this medication unless one is aware of how much they can handle without interference in their daily lives.
Another popular medication for allergic rhinitis managements is Claritin. The active ingredient in Claritin is Loratadine. This is generally a stronger medication that is effective for twelve to twenty-four hours. If these medications do not work, it is best to seek advice from your physician who can prescribe a medication that will better manage your allergic rhinitis.
Please note that when seeking treatment for your Hay Fever, it is important to make sure that symptoms are not overlooked that could require emergency medical treatment. Anytime a person is having difficulty breathing, immediate medical treatment is required. Also, if there is any discharge or bleeding from the ears, seek the closest emergency room right away. Furthermore, if there is a high fever present that will not go away, a physician should be notified right away. It is possible that the symptoms are not related to allergies, and require prompt attention from a doctor. Hay Fever does not have to ruin your life. With proper steps to avoid Hay Fever, as well as appropriate allergic rhinitis management, this condition can be appropriately controlled so that your normal life can resume.
