Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to indoor or outdoor allergens that causes cold-like symptoms. Sinus pressure headaches, nasal congestion, sneezing and irritated eyes are common symptoms of hay fever. More than 36 million people in the United States suffer from hay fever, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Hay fever can be treated by avoiding allergens, using over-the-counter drugs and immunotherapy, or allergy shots.
Avoiding Allergens
Avoiding allergens is the most effective treatment for hay fever, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. If hay fever is the result of pet dander, the person should avoid contact with animals, especially cats. If a person is exposed to pets, he should change his clothing and take a shower to rinse off any pet dander residue. Hay fever resulting from pollen can be avoided by keeping windows and doors closed while a traveling in a car or at home. Sufferers should avoid going outdoors and doing yard work until pollen counts drop. Hay fever from a dust mite allergy requires a clean and dust-free environment. It is advisable to remove carpet and replace it with tile or laminate, use dust mite covers on mattresses and use a face mask when cleaning the house.
Using OTC Drugs
Two common OTC drugs used to treat hay fever are decongestants and antihistamines. Decongestants address the nasal symptoms such as sinus pressure and congestion by restricting blood flow to the sinus cavity. This reduces swelling in the sinuses and restores normal breathing and nasal drainage. Antihistamines prevent and treat hay fever by inhibiting the body from overproducing histamines in the blood. Newer, second-generation antihistamines come in a 24-hour dose and do not promote drowsiness, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Undergoing Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is commonly used to treat severe hay fever when it doesn't respond to other medications. Allergy shots are administered over a three-to-five-year period, exposing small amounts of the allergen to the body, according to familydoctor.org. Over time the amount of the allergen is slowly increased, so the body builds up a tolerance for the allergen. Allergy shots are not for everyone. A person should talk to an allergist to see if they are right for her.
