hay fever
an allergic reaction to pollen, e.g that of grasses, trees and many other plants, which affects numerous individuals. The symptoms are a blocked and runny nose, sneezing and watering eyes because of the release of HISTAMINE . Treatment is by means of ANTIHISTAMINE drugs and, if the ALLERGEN can be identified, DESENSITIZATION may be successful. This involves injecting or exposing the individual to controlled and gradually increasing doses of the allergen until ANTIBODIES are built up.
Each spring, summer, and fall, trees, weeds, and grasses release tiny pollen grains into the air. Some of the pollen ends up in your nose and throat. This can trigger a type of allergy called hay fever.
Symptoms can include:
- Sneezing, often with a runny or clogged nose
- Coughing and postnasal drip
- Itching eyes, nose and throat
- Red and watery eyes
- Dark circles under the eyes
Your health care provider may diagnose hay fever based on a physical exam and your symptoms. Sometimes skin or blood tests are used. Taking medicines and using nasal sprays can relieve symptoms. You can also rinse out your nose, but be sure to use distilled or sterilized water with saline. Allergy shots can help make you less sensitive to pollen and provide long-term relief.
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