Hay Fever

Diagnosis of Hay Fever

To diagnose hay fever, a healthcare professional performs a physical exam and discusses your overall health, symptoms, and possible allergy triggers. Depending on your condition, one or both of the following tests may be recommended:

• Skin prick test: Small amounts of potential allergens are pricked into the skin on the arm or upper back. If allergic, a raised bump (hive) appears within 15 to 20 minutes. Allergy specialists typically perform this test.

• Allergy blood test: A blood sample is analyzed to measure levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which indicate an allergic response.

Treatment of Hay Fever

Once triggers are identified, a healthcare professional develops a treatment plan to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Avoiding allergens is key. For mild symptoms, nonprescription medicines may be sufficient; for more severe cases, prescription treatments may be needed.

Treatment options include medications, immunotherapy, and nasal saline rinses.

Medicines for Hay Fever

These sprays help prevent and treat nasal stuffiness and itching. They are often the first choice for hay fever management.

• Common nonprescription sprays: fluticasone, budesonide, triamcinolone, mometasone

• Prescription combinations: azelastine and fluticasone (Dymista), mometasone and olopatadine (Ryaltris)

• Possible side effects: mild nose irritation, unpleasant taste or smell

These block histamine, reducing itching, sneezing, and runny nose.

• Oral antihistamines: loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine

• Nasal sprays: azelastine, olopatadine

• Eye drops: olopatadine, ketotifen

• Side effects: dry mouth or eyes, drowsiness, restlessness, headaches

These reduce nasal swelling and pressure. They can be used alone or combined with antihistamines.

• Oral forms: pseudoephedrine

• Nasal sprays: phenylephrine, oxymetazoline

• Possible side effects: high blood pressure, insomnia, irritability

• Avoid using nasal sprays longer than 2–3 days to prevent rebound congestion

This medication prevents the release of histamine and works best when used before symptoms start. Available as a nonprescription nasal spray or prescription eye drops.

Montelukast blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that trigger nasal inflammation. It’s often used for people with mild asthma or who can’t tolerate nasal sprays. Possible side effects include headaches and, rarely, mood changes.

A prescription nasal spray that reduces runny nose by controlling mucus production. Mild side effects include dryness and nosebleeds. It’s not suitable for those with glaucoma or prostate enlargement.

Used short-term for severe allergy symptoms. Long-term use can cause serious side effects like cataracts and osteoporosis, so it’s only prescribed when necessary.

Immunotherapy for Hay Fever

Also known as desensitization therapy, allergy shots expose you to small doses of allergens over 3 to 5 years to help the immune system build tolerance. They are especially effective for pollen, dust mite, and animal dander allergies.

These tablets dissolve under the tongue and deliver small amounts of allergen daily. They can help manage allergies to grass, ragweed, and dust mites.

Nasal Saline Rinses for Hay Fever

Moistens dry nasal passages and thins mucus, providing easy symptom relief.

Flushing nasal passages with saline removes mucus and allergens.

• Use sterile, distilled, boiled (and cooled), or properly filtered water.

• Clean rinse devices (neti pot or squeeze bottle) thoroughly after each use.

• Do not share nasal rinse containers to prevent infection.