Hay Fever: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Hay fever is mainly caused due to allergies from pollen. Pollen is found in some grasses, weeds and flowers. Therefore, patients suffering from the disease are advised to stay away from places from which pollen can originate. Usually the symptoms disappear if patients restrict pollen exposure. However, in some cases, the allergies may be more severe.

In such a case, doctors may prescribe anti-histamines and other drugs to the patient. Usage of over-the-counter drugs are also common. Some people are also allergic to indoor substances, such as dust mites and pet dander. This is another form of rhinitis or hay fever. In these cases, the patient needs to get rid of the source of his allergies in order to recover from hay fever.

Nasal irrigation and saline sprays can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms. To create the saline mixture, mix salt and either distilled or boiled water. Do not use simple tap water, as it contains harmful impurities. People suffering from chronic hay fever are further, advised to limit outdoor activities, as this could lead to the condition deteriorating.

Nasal corticosteroids are considered to be the safest form of treatment for hay fever. Very few side effects are caused due to these drugs, but they alleviate the symptoms greatly. It usually takes around a week or two for this medication to show its effects. Therefore, try taking them prior to the pollen season.

Antihistamines are also great to reduce the effects of hay fever. For instance, runny rose, sneezing and coughing can be alleviated through these medications. However, some of these drugs may induce side effects, so take them as per the instructions of the doctor.

Decongestants are used if the allergies cause a stuffy nose. Some of these medication can be purchased in the form of capsules or tablets, while the same is also available as nasal sprays. These provide relief and reopen your nasal passageways, so that you can draw breath properly.

Immunotherapy is also a valid treatment in case of hay fever. The patient is given small doses of the specific allergens that you are allergic to. Over time this trains your immunity system to accept the allergen. However, this treatment can take many years to take effect and there is no guarantee that your body will be able to cope with larger doses of the same allergen.

While the corticosteroids have almost no side effects, the antihistamines can cause certain minor conditions. These side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and confusion.

The treatment usually takes a week or two to take effect. So, it is bets to start treating hay fever before the pollen season arrives.

Immunotherapy treatment for hay fever may take longer. Oridnarily, it takes years for the body to become completely immune against pollen

Anti-histamines cost around Rs. 100-Rs. 200

Corticosteroids cost around Rs. 50- Rs. 300

Doctor visits account for around Rs. 500-Rs. 1,000

The results of the treatment are not permanent. Exposure to pollen or other similar allergens can cause the hay fever to come back, along with all of the symptoms.