Wednesday, April 16, 2003Hay Fever
Allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, can cause headaches, runny nose, sneezing and a host of other symptoms. In today’s Sixty Second Housecall, Dr. Ken Davis tells us more about this annoying condition.
Hay fever is caused by exposure to dust, dander or pollen. Symptoms include coughing, headache, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. Hay fever is more common in the spring, but outdoor allergens can be found throughout the summer into early fall. Most trees produce pollen in the spring, grasses and flowers usually produce pollen during the summer and ragweed and other late-blooming plants produce pollen during late summer and early fall.
The best treatment is to avoid the allergen. During pollen season, people susceptible to hay fever should remain indoors whenever possible. Those who are sensitive to indoor allergens should avoid pets and keep the house as clean and free of dust as possible. Certain air filters may be helpful.
Medication options include antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. These medications are more effective if taken before exposure. It is better to prevent the immune response in the first place than to try to reverse it. For more information, join us online at wtva.com and click on Sixty Second Housecall. For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.