How do I get rid of my hay fever?

How do I get rid of my hay fever?

• My nose stings it feels like it's burning. One eye keeps watering and now it's red. I don't know what to do. Help.

• Answer:

  You probably can't get rid of hay fever but you can keep it under control. You are reacting to histamines in the air which is pollen, dust or mold or a combination of these. You can try an antihistamine and to start I would suggest Claritin. You can also look over they eye drops to see if you can find one for allergies. I take a prescription eye drop called Lastacaft. To keep the room you spend most of your time in (bedroom), you should keep the windows closed and use AC if possible. You may react to dust as well as pollen so keep you room spotless and remove everything that collects dust. Don't keep clothing and shoes that has been contaminated with pollen in your bedroom. Take them off and place in a hamper and keep your shoes by the front door. Dust frequently and launder bedding and curtains often. Vacuum with a cleaner that has a hepa filter and mop once a week depending on what kind of flooring you have in your room. Don't let any pets that go outside in your bedroom as they collect pollen on their fur and then you come into contact with it when you pet them and sit or lie where they have left it in the room. You can also wear a mask when outside for long periods. Wash your hair every night to get rid of the pollen. A neti bottle can be purchased at Walmart, Walgreens or most drug stores for about $12. This is easy to use and comes with some saline packets to get you started. Using warm water and saline, you flush out all the pollen in your nose and sinuses. This can help shrink your swollen nasal membranes and flush out any mucus and secretions to help with the runny inflamed nose. There are some nasal gels made that can help with nasal irritation also. I find the regular saline sprays don't do much as they just run out where the gel stays in your nose longer. Buy some tissues with lotion as these are much kinder to your nose and can help prevent dry sore skin around your nose. If the Over-the-counter medications like Claritan don't help then you may have to see your MD to get some prescriptions. You can by Allegra and Zyrtec OTC also. I find Allegra has too much drowsiness for me but does work for others. These drugs are generic so the names will be different but usual say 'generic for'. If you can't find them asked the pharmacist. The MD can prescribe Rhinocort for a nasal spray which contains a steroid that helps with inflammation. He can also examine your sinuses to make sure you don't have sinusitis and your eyes to see if you have conjunctivitis as well as allergies. There are other treatments your MD can suggest/prescribe if necessary.