Hay Fever

At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Centers, our professional team provides the skilled and experienced care required to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever and help patients fully participate in and enjoy their daily activities.

What is hay fever?

For people with hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, certain outdoor and indoor substances can trigger an allergic response and a range of annoying symptoms. In addition to putting a damper on one’s enjoyment and participation in daily activities, hay fever, in some people, can also trigger and exacerbate other respiratory conditions. While itchiness, a runny nose, sneezing, and swollen, red, watery eyes, are bad enough. In some cases, the allergens triggering hay fever can also affect the lungs, causing wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks, allergic bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.

Understanding the causes and types of hay fever

Hay fever typically appears during childhood but can develop later in life. Although hay fever often occurs as a reaction to grass, tree, or weed pollen, allergic rhinitis may also be caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and molds.

• Seasonal - Hay fever symptoms are associated with exposure to pollen or mold spores and arise in the spring, summer, or fall.
• Perennial - People with perennial allergic rhinitis experienced symptoms all year round. Triggering allergens often include dust mites, pet hair or dander, cockroaches, or mold.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose allergic rhinitis, our office will begin with taking a detailed history, including information about your daily activities and environment and your exposure to potential allergens. We’ll also take a look at your overall medical health and any conditions that may influence or worsen your symptoms. Typically, we do a skin test to identify your body’s response to suspected allergen and, when indicated, may also perform a blood test.

The most effective approach to treating hay fever involves a measure of self-care to avoid or minimize exposure to triggers and specific medications as recommended or prescribed by our office. Oral tablets, liquid medication, nasal sprays, or eye drops alone or in various combinations can help to reduce symptoms and alleviate discomfort. Allergy immunotherapy in the form of allergy immunotherapy can provide significant and long-lasting relief.

At the office of Allergy, we're dedicated to helping every patient who comes to our practice for care enjoy their daily activities free from the discomfort and effects of allergies.