Hay fever affects the eyes, nose, sinuses, and occasionally the lungs. If allergens come into contact with these particular tissues in an allergic person, cells release histamine. This chemical makes the tissues itch, swell, and produce excess mucus and tears.
Symptoms of hay fever include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy throat or nose
- Post nasal drip
Your doctor will need to know your medical history to diagnose you with hay fever allergies. If your symptoms are seasonal, then your doctor may suspect hay fever. Skin tests are available to diagnose hay fever as well, but these tests are expensive and your physician may suggest you try to treat your symptoms with hay fever medication first. If those do not control your symptoms, a skin test may be recommended.
If symptoms are severe, treatment of hay fever is aimed at making you more comfortable and allowing you to function better in your daily life. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and steroid nasal sprays are available, although most people do not require medication. If symptoms persist, you may want to consider having more allergy tests.
There is no known way to prevent allergies, though some researchers believe that breast-fed babies are less likely to develop allergies. Allergies last different amounts of time for everyone. Some people suffer from allergies for their entire lives while others develop them only during childhood or adulthood. Allergies may stop if you move to an area free of the substances causing your allergies.
