Hay fever solutionsApproximately 15% to 20% of the US population has some degree of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. It is found equally in both men and women. Usually hay fever is seasonal, but it can last all year long if the allergen stays throughout the year. In this case, we call it perennial allergic rhinitis. Spring and fall are the main hay fever seasons. This region of Kentucky presents us with a whole host of things that can cause hay fever, including grasses and oak, ragweed and birch pollen. As a board-certified and fellowship-trained allergy and immunology specialist, Dr. Iraklis C. Livas is an expert when it comes to treating hay fever. What causes hay fever?Despite its name, hay fever is not caused by hay and it does not cause a fever. Symptoms such as eye irritation, sneezing and nasal congestion that afflict farmers while harvesting field hay is what promoted this popular term. Like all allergic reactions, hay fever is caused by allergens, foreign “invaders” such as pollens and molds that enter the body equally by inhalation or through the skin. The most common symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, postnasal drip and a sensation of plugged ear(s). Treating hay fever.After discovering what is triggering your hay fever, Dr. Livas will develop a personalized treatment plan designed for effective symptom relief. This may include allergy shots (immunotherapy), antihistamines, topical nasal steroids and oral decongestants. Of course, one of the most effective remedies is to simply avoid the allergen causing your hay fever. Finally, some air conditioner filters can remove a significant amount of irritants.
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