Hay fever Treatment
The main aim of hay fever treatment is to allow you to lead a more normal life. It is not essential that treatment should eradicate every last symptom – a definite reduction of symptoms will allow you to do the things you want to do and get enjoyment from them. Hay fever medications are available both on prescription and over-the-counter (without the need for a prescription), depending upon their individual strength and potency.
If you are unhappy with the results of the first treatment you are offered or prescribed, ask your doctor or allergy specialist if you can try something else. A combination of treatments may work best for you, but it may take trial and error, as well as a deal of perseverance, to find the optimum combination.
The following are the main treatments available for hay fever:
• Antihistamines – Medications containing antihistamine counter the effects of the chemicals released naturally in the body during an allergic reaction. As a result, sneezing, a runny nose, an itchy throat and watering eyes are relieved.
• Anti-allergy agents – These are likely to be composed of a chemical called sodium cromoglicate, which is capable of halting the production of histamine and so can prevent an allergic reaction.
• Decongestants – A short, sharp dose of this medication can help to unblock any nasal congestion. Long-term use is not recommended as it can worsen the situation.
• Steroidal nasal sprays – These have an anti-inflammatory effect which decreases swelling in the eyes and delicate mucous membranes of the nose.
The treatment you are offered is likely to depend on the factors mentioned below. If you feel that your lifestyle needs are not being taken into account by your doctor or allergy specialist, be very clear in saying how you need to be able to function better on all levels.
The severity of your symptoms
Severe hay fever may respond best to three or four treatments in combination, whereas milder hay fever will normally respond well to an antihistamine medication alone – perhaps an over-the-counter type – or maybe a nasal spray as well. Very mild hay fever may require no medical intervention and be successfully treated by the employment of self-help measures.
The nature of your worst symptoms
If watering eyes are your worst symptom, you will need the relevant eye drops, whereas if a runny nose is your main problem, an antihistamine medication may be your best option, together with short-term use of a decongestant, if necessary.
The needs of your particular lifestyle
A person who works behind the scenes, in theatre props for example, may not feel as troubled and embarrassed by their symptoms as someone who is very visible to others, such as an actor or a teacher. In the same way, someone who uses their hands for a set length of time, such as a musician during a recital, will find it impossible to play while suffering from a runny nose and watering eyes, whereas those who work alone, say in a home office, will not have quite the same concerns. When your doctor or allergist is considering your treatment regime, your hobbies and any other lifestyle activities should be taken into account just as much as employment factors.
Make it clear how important it is that the very best of treatments should be offered to young people such as those whose symptoms make schoolwork a trial, who are about to take exams, or who have job interviews coming up.