What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is a type of allergy that only affects the nose. Hay fever occurs when your immune system overreacts to a substance — called an allergen — in the environment that causes an allergic reaction.
Common allergens that cause hay fever include:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Cockroaches
Though not as common, food allergens may also cause hay fever.
What are hay fever symptoms?
Hay fever symptoms generally affect the nose and upper respiratory system. Common symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose, or mouth
- Fatigue
Despite the name, hay fever usually doesn’t cause an elevated temperature. However, people with hay fever may be more likely to develop other health issues like asthma or eczema.
What can I expect during a hay fever consultation?
When you come in to see the allergy experts at Pleasanton Allergy and Dermatology for help with your hay fever, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation. The goal of the evaluation is to identify the allergen causing your symptoms.
During your consultation, your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and when they occur. They also review your medical and family history and perform a physical.
To determine the allergen causing your hay fever, Pleasanton Allergy and Dermatology offers allergy testing. Your testing may include a skin prick test, intradermal skin allergy testing, or a blood test.
How is hay fever treated?
Pleasanton Allergy and Dermatology develops individualized treatment plans to manage your hay fever based on the underlying cause and related health issues.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Tips to minimize exposure to the allergen
- Intranasal corticosteroids
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Nasal spray
If conservative measures fail to improve your hay fever symptoms or your allergies also trigger asthma or eczema, your provider may suggest allergy shots to desensitize your immune system to the allergen.
In addition to reducing your hay fever symptoms, allergy shots can help prevent you from developing other allergies or related health conditions like asthma or eczema.
To get relief from your hay fever, call Pleasanton Allergy and Dermatology or schedule a visit online today.
