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Shine Magazine

Hay fever
Nose allergies

Main symptoms:

Clear nasal discharge with sneezing, sniffing, and nasal itching.
Eye allergies (itchy, red, watery and puffy) are commonly associated.
Ear and sinus congestion may also be associated.
A tickling, scratchy sensation in the back of the throat can be associated.
Itchy ear canals, itchy skin, and hoarse voice are also seen.
Symptoms occur during pollen season.
Similar symptoms during the same month of the previous year.
No fever.

Cause:

Hay fever is an allergic reaction of the nose and sinuses to an inhaled substance, usually a pollen.

Call your doctor within 24 hours (during office hours) if:

You think your child needs to be seen.
Lots of coughing.
Sinus pain (around cheekbone or eyes) and not relieved by antihistamines

Call your doctor during office hours if:

You have other questions or concerns.
Hay fever symptoms interfere with sleep or school after taking antihistamines for two days.
Diagnosis of hay fever has never been confirmed by your doctor.
Year-round symptoms of nasal allergies.

Parent care at home if:

Hay fever and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

Home care advice for hay fever:

1. Antihistamines: Give antihistamines continuously during pollen season (continuously is the key to control). Chlorpheniramine (e.g. chlortrimeton) products are effective and don't need a prescription (any antihistamine you have will do, but some may cause more drowsiness). The bedtime dosage is especially important for healing the lining of the nose. Long-acting products (less dosages per day) and combination antihistamine-decongestant products (less sedating) may be more helpful.

2. Eyes: For eye symptoms, wash the pollen off the face and eyelids, then apply cold compresses. Antihistamine vasoconstrictor eye drops (no prescription needed) will also help.

3. Nose: Remove pollen from the nose with nasal washes using warm tap water whenever needed. Instill two or three nose drops in each nostril followed by blowing the nose. Repeat until open. Remove pollen from the hair and skin with hair washing and a shower, especially before bedtime.

Expected course:

Since pollen allergies recur each year, learn to control the symptoms.

Call your doctor if:

Symptoms aren't controlled in two days with continuous antihistamines.
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call your Doctor" symptoms.

Learn more:

See colds, if if it doesn't look like hay fever
Is it a cold or allergy?
Do over-the-counter cold medicines work?
Sinus pain and congestion