About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 8, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A
...
6
...

Hay Fever (cont.)

Medical Author:
Coauthor:
Coauthor:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:

Hay Fever Treatment

Hay fever does not always require medical treatment.

Self-Care at Home

Avoid known or suspected allergens.

Hay fever symptoms lend themselves to home treatment.

  • Gargle with warm salt water, 1-2 tablespoons of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water, to soothe a mildly sore throat.
  • Take nonprescription antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to relieve symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy throat and eyes. Caution - these medications may make you too drowsy to drive a car or operate machinery safely.
  • For stuffy nose, a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Actifed) may work better.

beclomethasone (Beconase), triamcinolone (Nasacort), and fluticasone (Flonase).

  • These are not the steroids taken by some people to increase athletic performance.


  • Sprays take a few days to work, but when they reach an effective level, they do a very good job of decreasing symptoms without causing drowsiness.


  • They must be used daily if they are to work properly.
  • Antihistamines

    • Nonprescription antihistamines (diphenhydramine [Benadryl], clemastine [Tavist], tripelennamine [PBZ], hydroxyzine [Atarax]) are the most commonly used drugs. Loratadine (Claritin), a long-acting, nonsedating antihistamine is also now available without a prescription


    • These antihistamines are inexpensive and readily available. The effects do not last long.


    • They may make you too drowsy to drive a car or operate machinery safely. You may start using them at bedtime. Drowsiness often lessens with continued, regular dosage.


    • Many hay fever sufferers choose to take longer acting prescription antihistamines, such as fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), and desloratadine (Clarinex). These drugs are more expensive, but they have to be taken only once or twice a day. The biggest advantage of these drugs is that they cause only mild sleepiness, if any at all.

    Leukotriene inhibitors

    • Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of hay fever.


    • It is available with a prescription and comes in tablet, chewable tablet, or granule forms. The granules may be sprinkled directly on the tongue or mixed with cold or room temperature soft food like applesauce or pudding.


    • Leukotrienes are powerful chemical substances that promote the inflammatory response seen during exposure to allergens. By keeping these chemicals from producing swelling, leukotriene inhibitors reduce inflammation.


    • Leukotriene inhibitors are particularly effective when used with an antihistamine.

    Cromolyn sodium

    • Available in aerosol (Nasalcrom) and in eyedrops (Crolom), cromolyn sodium makes your mucous membranes less sensitive to allergens.


    • It gives better relief if you take it as a preventive measure, even when you do not have symptoms.

    Decongestants

    • Decongestants are available in oral versions (such as pseudoephedrine [Sudafed]), eyedrops, or sprays (such as phenylephrine [Sinex])


    • Eyedrops are effective for relieving annoying eye itch.


    • Nasal sprays are very useful, especially in relieving nasal congestion. However, they can cause a rebound effect and inflammation called rhinitis medicamentosa if overused.


    • Oral decongestants can cause high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness.


    • Use all decongestants according to package instructions—usually no more than 3 days.
    Be sure to tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking these medications.

    For more information on medications, see Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications.

    Next Page:
    ...
    6
    ...

    Viewer Comments & Reviews

    Hay Fever - Symptoms

    The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

    What were the symptoms of your hay fever?

    Hay Fever - Experience

    The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

    What symptoms and signs do you experience with your hay fever?

    Allergies & Asthma

    Improve treatments & prevent attacks.




    Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

    Allergic Rhinitis »

    Rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the nasal membranes1 and is characterized by a symptom complex that consists of any combination of the following: sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea.

    Read More on Medscape Reference »

    Medical Dictionary


    Use Pill Finder Find it Now

    Pill Identifier on RxList

    • quick,
      easy,
      pill identification

    Find a Local Pharmacy

    • including
      24 hour
      pharmacies