Hay fever: quick practical guide to relief

Sneeze, itchy eyes, runny nose — sounds familiar? If spring or dusty rooms turn your head into a faucet, this guide will give practical steps you can use today to tame hay fever.

What hay fever is and how it feels

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) happens when your immune system overreacts to pollen, dust mites, mold or pet dander. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, clear runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sometimes fatigue or headache. Symptoms can be seasonal (pollen) or year-round (dust, pets).

Start with simple prevention

Cut pollen exposure: close windows on high-pollen days, run air conditioning with a clean filter, and check a local pollen forecast before planning outdoor time. Shower and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen. Use a HEPA filter in bedrooms and keep pets out of sleeping areas if pet dander is an issue.

Over-the-counter medicine choices

Antihistamines reduce sneezing, itching and runny nose. Non-drowsy options include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. If you need fast relief at night, short-term older antihistamines like diphenhydramine work but can make you sleepy. For congestion, decongestant pills or sprays help for short periods; nasal sprays with oxymetazoline should not be used more than three days to avoid rebound congestion.

Nasal sprays that work

Intranasal corticosteroids (fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone) are the best daily controller for nasal symptoms. They take a few hours to start and a few days for full effect, so start before pollen season when possible. Saline nasal rinses or sprays reduce mucus and flush out allergens — try a simple rinse once or twice daily.

Eye symptoms

Allergy eye drops with antihistamine or mast-cell stabilizers ease itchy, watery eyes. Cold compresses help right away and are an easy at-home fix.

When to see a doctor

If OTC meds don’t control symptoms, you have severe sleep problems, or symptoms affect work or school, see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe stronger meds, a nasal steroid, or refer you for allergy testing. Allergy shots or sublingual tablets (immunotherapy) can reduce sensitivity over time and may change the course of hay fever.

Mixing treatments safely

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before combining medicines, especially if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, prostate problems, or take other prescriptions. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Get medical advice before starting new drugs.

Quick daily checklist

- Check pollen forecast. - Close windows on high-pollen days. - Shower after outdoor activities. - Use a HEPA filter in the bedroom. - Start daily nasal steroid before symptoms peak.

Small changes add up. With the right mix of prevention, OTC treatment, and medical help when needed, you can cut hay fever down to size.

Travel tips: use a travel-sized saline spray, change hotel bedding if needed, pack non-drowsy antihistamine. For children, follow pediatric dosing and check with their doctor before giving new medications. Allergy testing can identify exact triggers and help pick the best long-term plan. Start treatment early for best results. Talk to a pharmacist today.