Hay fever is a common form of allergic reaction and it is safe to say that literally millions of people suffer from its effects. Hay fever is usually caused by exposure to the pollen of outdoor trees, bushes, and grasses. Its commonly results in symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, headache, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. Chronic forms of hay fever can progress to more serious conditions like sinus infections and asthma.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, hay fever has the potential to severely disrupt the lives of those who have it. Fortunately, there are a variety of hay fever treatments available. Treatments for hay fever range from the natural (sinus washes and rinses), to long-term (allergy shots). For many, the best treatment option is to use one or more of the different types of hay fever medication.
One common form of hay fever medication are antihistimines. Antihistimines disrupt the allergic reaction of the body to whatever is triggering it. In the case of hay fever, this is usually the pollen from outdoor plants and trees. Antihistimes used to only be available on a prescription basis and some of them still are prescription medications.
But there are also several over-the-counter antihistimine medications. The most common side effect of antihistimine hay fever medications is drowsiness or sleepiness, although some non-drowsy forumulas exist in both the prescription and nonprescription medications. Antihistimines come in a variety of forms, including oral (liquid, tablet, capsules, etc.) and as nasal sprays.
Sometimes decongestants are appropriate as treatment for hay fever. Decongestants won’t help with symptoms like itchy eyes or a runny nose, but they do help with any nasal congestion that develops as a result of hay fever. Decongestants can also help with headache symptoms. Again, decongestants exist both in prescription and nonprescription varieties. One common side effect of decongestants is sleeplessness.
Like antihistimines, decongestants can often be found in both oral form and as nasal sprays. As with all medications, it is important to read the directions on nasal decongestants carefully as some are not to be used for long periods of time.