The National Library of Medicine says that hay fever is an allergic reaction with various symptoms mainly affecting the eyes and sinuses. A person who suffers from hay fever is typically allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold or pet dander, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. When an allergen is breathed in or ingested, the immune system doesn't recognize it and attempts to fight it off by producing antibodies and histamine. The histamine produces allergy symptoms in the body such as itchy, water eyes, nasal congestion, sinus headaches and a runny nose. A person should talk with her doctor for proper assessment and treatment recommendations.
Avoidance
The Mayo Clinic states that the best treatment for hay fever is to avoid the allergen causing the symptoms. A person with a mold allergy should remove all visible molds in and around his home using bleach. Mold grows in humid and dark locations such as around the foundation of a house, under sinks and in the bathroom. Someone with a pollen allergy should avoid going outdoors for extended periods of time during spring. Keeping the windows and doors shut will also prevent pollen from entering the home. An individual who is allergic to pets should avoid contact with pets and should wash his hands and clothing after being in a home of a pet owner.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants may be helpful in treating hay fever, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Antihistamines inhibit the amount of histamine released in a person's body, providing relief to the allergic reaction symptoms. Decongestants work by restricting blood flow to the inflamed sinus cavities, reducing the swelling and restoring normal breathing and nasal discharge. The most common prescribed medications are steroid nasal sprays, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Steroid nasal sprays are the most effective with consistent use over time for preventing and treating hay fever.
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
Allergy shots are used for people suffering from severe allergies leading to hay fever who do not respond well with other medical treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic. A small amount of the allergen is injected into a person over a three to five year period. Over time the amount of the allergen is slowly increased in the treatments, providing the immune system with the ability to build up a tolerance to that particular substance. Once the immunotherapy is complete, a person should no longer have an allergic reaction to the substance they were treated for.
