Hay Fever and Pollen Allergies - Help is at Hand!

Most people are familiar with the term hay fever, and know it is an allergy to pollen, but few realize just how bad it can be for people who suffer from it. The first problem is that many of the initial symptoms, especially in milder cases, are so often misdiagnosed as just a cold or the sniffles. Many people go for years before realising or being told about their allergy. Even when you do know what you have, it is often difficult to know what to do about it.

Diagnose

Pollen allergies hit people in different ways, and at different times of the year. You might feel fine for months and month while those around you are suffering, and then all of a sudden it hits you. All the same, it's definitely worth checking with your doctor or a professional allergist, just to make sure what you have is a pollen allergy.

Treat

By its nature, a pollen allergy is a seasonal thing, and it is usually best to get treatment when it will be at its worst, or rather, just before. Most pollen is produced through spring and summer, so this is the time to start monitoring your health, and as soon as you can feel the allergy come on, start with your preferred treatment.

Most people either go for allergy tablets, usually a form of antihistamine, or an injection. Some people prefer a combination of the two. As with most medication, they affect people in different ways, and you might find quite a variation in how affective they are. The best thing to do is to try different tablets, noting how well they work, and try to find the ones that work best for you. It might take a little time, and a little guess work too, as what you might put down as a successful tablet, might just coincide with a lower pollen count.

One other thing to note about allergy tablets is that some can make you feel tired or drowsy. It is always best when trying a new brand to avoid driving or heavy work on that fist day. Try taking the first on a day off or at the weekend. If you feel really tired, try another brand, or speak to your doctor.

Prevent

As with most things, the very best thing to do is to prevent rather than cure. It is not really practical to stay in doors through the whole of summer, but it might be worth watching out for the local pollen count on the news, and when it is low take full advantage, or if it is very high, try to not stay out too long.

As with all things medical, always read the notes with the tablets, never take more than the prescribed amount, and if you have any problems or questions, consult your doctor.