How to Treat Hay Fever

Have you been suffering from itchy eyes, headaches, sore throat, sneezing and runny nose? There is a way to treat the symptoms of hay fever naturally. Hay fever is the term more commonly used to describe seasonal allergic rhinitis. This pollen allergy causes the nasal passageways to become inflamed which cause all those nasty symptoms we mentioned earlier. To get through those tough and trying symptoms, try these prevention and treatment techniques:

Step 1: Avoid pollen whenever possible. In the morning, pollen levels are at their highest, so avoid being outdoors during this time. When outside, wear a protective mask. Keep your windows and doors closed, especially during the morning hours.

Step 2: Air filtration devices in the home are a perfect way to effectively remove more than 9 percent of the pollen and dust that pass through your home. Hepa filtration devices are recommended in removing this dust and pollen and can be bought at your local department store.

Step 3: Acupuncture can actually relieve hay fever. A traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is where specific points on the body are stimulated in order to maintain and restore health.

Step 4: Herbal medicines are an excellent way to treat hay fever. Herbs such as butterbur, antioxidants such as quercetin, and carotenoids such as betacarotene can sometimes help alleviate these allergy symptoms.

Step 5: Check out the National Allergy Bureau online to find out specific allergy information in your area. They can provide reliable and accurate information about pollen counts. Finding out what allergens are in your area will help you figure out your specific allergy and help you treat it.

Step 6: Do you have any food allergies? Find out if you do. Keep a record of the foods that you eat that tend to worsen hay fever symptoms. Often, hay fever is seasonal - so write down the foods that do bother you and keep that handy for the next season.

Step 7: For your sore throat, try gargling with warm salt water. You only need 1-2 tablespoons of salt per 8oz of water.

Step 8: There are always non prescription antihistamines which can help alleviate some of the symptoms. Medications such as Benadryl are great for helping the sore throat and runny nose, but be cautious as these medicines can make you sleepy. For relief of a stuffy nose, medications like decongestants and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed and Actifed) work well.

If these still don't help, contact your doctor for other methods of treatment for your symptoms.