People with hay fever may try taking over-the-counter medications for their symptoms, only to find that the side effects are nearly as bothersome as the allergy symptoms. An Allergy Specialist in Columbus MS wants to help these individuals by using other strategies that significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing and fatigue.
Hay Fever
Allergic reactions that cause hay fever occur because the body reacts to a harmless substance by producing histamine. This causes swelling, itching and irritation in various parts of the body. Some individuals develop a chronically runny nose and sneezing. Others have itchy, watering eyes.
Decongestants and Antihistamines
Some decongestants can make people feel a bit jittery like they drank too much coffee. They might try taking half the recommended dose, but then the medicine isn’t as effective as they would like.
Antihistamines tend to make people feel drowsy. That effect might be acceptable at bedtime, but not during the workday or at school. Taking a combination product including an antihistamine and a decongestant is the answer for some allergy patients, but others don’t like the way they feel when using the drugs. They’d just as soon put up with the allergy symptoms.
For some individuals, the side effects last a relatively long time. One allergy patient may not be able to sleep well because of the decongestant. Another feels groggy in the morning after taking an antihistamine at 10 p.m.
Allergy Shots
An Allergy Specialist in Columbus MS may recommend shots that are administered on a routine basis. This gradually modifies the patient’s response to allergens, teaching the body that substances like pollen and mold spores in the air are not harmful.
Children and Hay Fever
Children often are affected more frequently and more severely than adults regarding allergies. Many people find that their hay fever eventually becomes more manageable without any treatment. However, when their kids are dealing with a stuffy nose, scratchy eyes and wheezing, it’s best to bring them to a medical clinic such as Children’s Health Center of Columbus for evaluation and treatment. Visit our clinic at the website to get started.
