Features

• A pollen allergy is also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, and it causes seasonal symptoms. It is the most common type of allergy, affecting one in five, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you are allergic to pollen, your body will release histamine, which is the way your body defends itself against the pollen. When histamine is released, it causes the symptoms of hay fever--itching, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, watery eyes, and runny or stuffy nose. Symptoms will worsen on hot, dry days when pollen is windborne. When it rains, pollen washes to the ground.
  
  

Prevention

• One thing you can do to prevent hay fever is simply avoid pollen. Avoid going outside and dry and windy days. Shower before you go to bed to wash off allergens in your hair and on your skin. When inside, keep your windows closed and use an air conditioner.
  
  

Treatment

• There are various medications you can take to treat your hay fever symptoms. Antihistamines will reduce your sneezing and runny nose. They are helpful before you are exposed to pollen. You can get pills, such as Zyrtec or Claritin, or nasal spray. Decongestants help relieve a stuffy nose. You can find them in pills, nose drops or sprays, such as Sudafed.
  
  Nasal sprays--Cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom) is helpful if you use it before exposure to pollen and can help prevent your allergic reaction. Nasal steroid sprays are useful for people with chronic symptoms and require a prescription. They reduce your reaction of your nasal tissues. Eye drops can be prescribed for itchy and watery eyes. Allergy shots can be used if other medication are not working. They will help decrease your sensitivity to pollen over time.