Hay Fever

(Allergic Rhinitis)
Clear nasal discharge with sneezing, sniffing, and nasal itching.
Eye allergies (itchy, red, watery and puffy) are commonly associated.
Ear and sinus congestion may also be associated.
A tickling, scratchy sensation in the back of the throat can be associated.
Itchy ear canals, itchy skin, and hoarse voice are also seen.
Symptoms occur during pollen season.
Similar symptoms during the same month of the previous year.
No fever.

Cause:
Hay fever is an allergic reaction of the nose and sinuses to an inhaled substance, usually a pollen.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one):

If doesn’t look like hay fever, see Colds

When to Call for Hay Fever

Call Us Now If:

See other columns for appropriate advice.

Call Us Within 24 Hours If:

You think your child needs to be seen

Lots of coughing

Sinus pain (around cheekbone or eyes) and not relieved by antihistamines

Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If:

You have other questions or concerns

Hay fever symptoms interfere with sleep or school after taking antihistamines for 2 days

Diagnosis of hay fever has never been confirmed by your doctor

Year-round symptoms of nasal allergies

Home Care (Read "When to Call..." first):

Antihistamines: Give antihistamines continuously during pollen season (continuously is the key to control):

Chlorpheniramine (eg. chlortrimeton) products are effective and most don’t need a prescription. (Any antihistamine you have will do, but some may cause more drowsiness.)
The bedtime dosage is especially important for healing the lining of the nose
Long-acting products (less dosages per day) and combination antihistamine-decongestant products (less-sedating) may be more helpful
Loratadine: Newer antihistamine that causes less sedation (OTC in 2003).
- Dosage: 10mg tablet once daily in morning (orally dissolving tablet also available)
- Indication: weight > 66 pounds (30 kg) AND drowsiness interferes with school
- Limitation: doesn't control hay fever as well as older antihistamines

Eye Allergies: For eye symptoms, wash the pollen off the face and eyelids. Then apply cold compresses. Antihistamine vasoconstrictor eyedrops (no prescription needed) will also help.

Wash Off Pollen: Remove pollen from the nose with nasal washes (using warm tap water) whenever needed. Instill 2 or 3 nosedrops in each nostril followed by blowing the nose. Repeat until open. Remove pollen from the hair and skin with hair-washing and a shower, especially before bedtime.

Expected Course: Since pollen allergies recur each year, learn to control the symptoms.

Call Your Doctor If:

Symptoms aren't controlled in 2 days with continuous antihistamines
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

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