Recongizing and Living With Hay Fever Symptoms

You Can Do Something About Your Dreaded Hay Fever Symptoms

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or think you may have hay fever symptoms, you may be feeling overwhelmed. You probably have many questions about how you feel, what kind of doctor to see, what kinds of testing can be done, and how your symptoms can be treated. Start here to find out the answers to these questions and how to live with hay fever.

Recognizing Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is the most common chronic disease, affecting up to 30% of the population. It is the most common reason for chronic sinus and nose problems. Children and young adults are the most common age groups affected by this disease, although many older adults and elderly people also experience symptoms.

Learn more about:

• Recognizing Hay Fever Symptoms
• Could My Child Have Allergies?
• Is It a Cold, or Is It Allergies?

Seeing an Allergist for Hay Fever

An allergist/immunologist can provide expert medical advice and treatment in the evaluation and management of people with hay fever. This includes the ability to perform and interpret allergy testing, expertise in prescribing allergy medications, as well as the ability to prescribe allergy shots in order to treat hay fever.

Learn more about why you should see an allergist.

Allergy Testing

Allergy testing is the first step in dealing with hay fever, which helps to determine the specific triggers of a person’s allergies. Testing allows a person to know what triggers to avoid, as well as to predict what times of the year that their hay fever symptoms are likely to occur.

There is, however, much confusion when it comes to allergy tests. There are different types of tests for different allergy symptoms, and some tests are better than others. There is also a misconception that allergy tests are painful, and that young children can’t be tested.

Learn more about:

• Allergy Skin Tests
• Blood Tests for Allergies
• Allergy Testing for Children
• Are Skin Tests Painful?
• Types of Testing to Avoid

Hay Fever Treatment

Allergy season can make people miserable with symptoms of hay fever, causing them to want to take medications. A variety of allergy medications are available for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, from over-the-counter options, to prescription drugs, to all-natural remedies, including allergy shots. Given the number of choices available, almost everyone can find a treatment that will help them get through allergy season.

Learn more about:

• Avoidance of Hay Fever Triggers
• Medications for Hay Fever
• Allergy Shots to Cure Allergies

Source:

Bousquet J, van Cauwenberge P, Khaltaev N. Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma. J Clin Allergy Immunol. 2001;108:S147-344.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.