Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that shows signs and symptoms to a cold. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to airborne substances, such as pollen-unlike a cold which is caused by a virus. This time of year, airborne substances from weed pollen, fungi and mold spores are common due to warm weather.
Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat, itchy nose, blocked/runny nose, more severe symptoms include, headaches, loss of smell and taste and facial pain caused by blocked sinuses.
Preventing exposure is helpful to reduce the allergic reaction. The following ideas may help:
1. Be aware of pollen counts, stay inside when high!
2. Keep away from grassy areas when counts are high.
3. Regularly splash your eyes with cool water to clear them of pollen.
4. Hats help to prevent pollen collecting in hair and sprinkling down into eyes.
5. Do not have flowers in the home.
There is a vast array of over the counter and prescription medications used to treat symptoms. Included medications are antihistamine sprays or tablets, eye drops, nasal sprays and oral corticosteroids.
It is important to ask the pharmacist at Klein’s for help when
choosing an over the counter product to help pick the one that is right for you.
