These symptoms can occur during the pollen season in spring, summer and fall. Mold, house dust, mite and animal dander can also produce year round symptoms. Avoiding exposure to the offending agents is most beneficial in reducing symptoms of hay fever. Your allergist can advise medication such as antihistamines, decongestant and anti-allergy nose sprays to treat this condition. Hay fever may also be treated by immunotherapy or injection therapy in selected patients.
Hay fever is caused by an allergy to the pollen of trees, grasses, weeds or the spores of molds.
Depending on the area of the country and the pollinating periods, hay fever season may be Spring, Summer or Fall, and usually lasts until frost. Hay fever sufferers have spells of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and an itchy palate and throat. Allergic rhinitis affects more people than any other kind of allergy. It may be a seasonal problem such as hay fever, or it may be a year-round problem caused by other allergens such as house dust mite, animal dander, or some molds. Consultation with a board certified allergist will help identify the offending allergens and develop an effective treatment plan.