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DESCRIPTION
An allergic response to airborne allergens that affects the eyes, nose, sinuses, throat, and bronchial tubes in the lungs. The name is confusing since hay does not cause an allergic reaction and there is no fever. Attacks flare up in pollen season and disappear when it is over.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Itching, watery eyes
Frequent sneezing; stuffy nose with a clear discharge.
Itching in the roof of the mouth.
Wheezing (sometimes)
Burning in the throat.
CAUSES
The body's immune system produces allergic antibodies which release a chemical called histamine, which in turn produces swelling and irritation in sensitive areas (nose, sinuses, eyes). Airborne allergens causing an allergic sensitivity include:
Pollen from weeds, flowers, grasses and trees.
Mold.
Dust.
Mites.
Tobacco smoke and other air pollutants.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Medical history of allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma.
Smoking
Spring and autumn. Most plants produce pollen during these seasons.
Family history of allergies.
Immunosuppression (due to drugs or illness).
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Follow suggestions in General Measures.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Symptoms can be controlled with treatment, but condition persists over a lifetime. It is usually more troublesome than disabling.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Sleeping difficulty and chronic fatigue.
Susceptibility to other respiratory infections.
Ear infections.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Laboratory tests such as blood count and allergy skin tests may be recommended, but are usually not required for diagnosis. Eliminate as many allergens in your environment as possible. Prepare your bedroom as follows:
- Empty the room of furniture, rugs or carpet, and drapes or curtains.
- Clean the walls, woodwork and floors with a damp mop. Wax the floor.
- Cover the box springs, mattress and pillows with plastic covers.
- Use only rugs that can be washed once a week.
- Use bedclothes that can be washed often, such as cotton sheets, washable mattress pads and synthetic fiber blankets. Don't use chenille bedspreads, quilts or comforters.
- Use wood or plastic chairs. Don't use stuffed chairs.
- Use plastic curtains, if possible. Dust them daily.
- Use a vacuum cleaner, damp rags, and a damp or oiled mop to clean the bedroom thoroughly once a week.
Other preventative measures:
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
- Don't handle objects that are very dusty, such as books or stored clothing.
- Don't keep stuffed animals or toys in the house.
- Remove all pets (except fish) from the house.
- Wear a filter face mask during exposure to allergens, including during housecleaning.
- Install an air-purification unit in your home's heating and air-conditioning system, preferable a high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter.
- Drive in air-conditioned car.
- Have someone else mow the lawn.
MEDICATION
To reduce the body's allergic response, you may be prescribed:
- Antihistamines; decongestants; cortisone eye drops or nasal spray; cortisone tablets (severe cases only); cromolyn nasal spray; cromolyn nose drops. These medications relieve symptoms, but they don't cure hay fever.
- Desensitization injections for known allergens for severe or year-round cases. Once allergens are known (through skin or blood tests), small amounts are injected periodically. This helps block the immune system from releasing the histamine. This process may take months or years for effective results.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET
Avoid foods that cause allergic reactions.
NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF
You have severe symptoms of hay fever that are interfering with your normal activities.
Signs of infection, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or thick, discolored nasal discharge, appear. A sinus infection may be complicating the allergy.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs in treatment may produce side effects.
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