Hay Fever Specialist

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a condition that causes cold-like symptoms due to contact with an allergen. You may develop hay fever symptoms due to exposure to common allergens like:

• Dust mites
• Tree and grass pollens
• Pet dander
• Mold

Symptoms of hay fever can range from mild to severe, with many people experiencing a reduced quality of life during spring and fall, when outdoor allergens are at peak levels.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

Hay fever symptoms are similar to a cold but may last for weeks, often worsening when you’re outdoors. Common symptoms of hay fever include:

• Cough due to tickling in throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Fatigue

You may also find it difficult to sleep because of postnasal drip and chronic nasal congestion that interferes with your breathing.

While symptoms are similar to the common cold, hay fever symptoms continue as long as you’re exposed to allergens. Cold symptoms typically resolve within a week or so.

What are the risk factors for hay fever?

You may be at increased risk for developing hay fever if the condition runs in your family. You may also be more prone to hay fever if you have conditions like:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

If you work in an outdoor environment or are frequently exposed to pet dander or other allergens, you may also develop chronic symptoms of hay fever.

How is hay fever diagnosed?

During your evaluation, Dr. Marks-Cogan reviewd your personal and family medical history to determine your risk factors for hay fever.

To confirm how your symptoms relate to hay fever, the doctor may perform in-office allergy skin testing. Scratch tests involve gently scratching the skin and delivering a drop of common allergens to determine which ones cause a reaction in your body, usually a bump on your skin at the testing site. Intradermal skin testing may be used in some cases, where the allergen is injected just under the skin and the site is monitored for a reaction.

What treatments are available for hay fever?

Symptom-relieving treatments for hay fever may include sublingual tablets and drops,  allergy shots, antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal inhalers, and environmental trigger management.

Because your hay fever symptoms are the result of exposure to certain allergens, Dr. Marks-Cogan may recommend allergy testing to develop individualized immunotherapy for you. This treatment is highly effective in relieving allergic reactions by addressing the root cause of your symptoms.

Immunotherapy involves repeated exposure to small amounts of allergens through allergy shots or sublingual (under the tongue) delivery. Immunotherapy builds up your body’s tolerance to the allergens, resulting in a reduced immune system reaction. Over the course of your treatments, you’ll have fewer reactions to your specific allergy triggers, alleviating your symptoms in both the short and long term.

Find out if immunotherapy is the right treatment for your hay fever symptoms by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.