Hay Fever Specialist

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a condition that develops most often in the spring and fall when pollen and spores from grass and trees are on the move.

You can also have perennial hay fever, which causes you to experience symptoms all year long, due to exposure to pet hair, dust mites, or mold.

Exposure to allergen triggers can cause a variety of symptoms that lessen your quality of life, such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy, watery eyes

For some, difficulties breathing can also cause disrupted sleep, which leads to chronic fatigue. You may also have trouble concentrating or staying focused on your job or other activities due to chronic nasal congestion.

How is hay fever diagnosed?

If you have a runny nose or persistent congestion not relieved by over-the-counter medications, Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan can evaluate your overall symptoms and medical history to determine if you have hay fever.

During your consultation, you can expect to discuss your lifestyle, such as your occupation, types of pets you have, and your family history of allergy triggers. This information helps Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan pinpoint potential allergens that cause hay fever.

The doctor can also use allergy tests to confirm your reaction to certain substances. These in-office tests involve exposing your skin to a small amount of allergens through a simple prick test on the surface of your skin or an injection of a substance just under the surface.

How is hay fever managed?

To stay in control of your allergies, Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications, like corticosteroids and antihistamines to keep your nasal passages open and reduce itching in your eyes and nose.

It’s also important that you avoid allergens as much as possible, especially during seasonal changes. Preventing exposure may involve:

• Keeping your windows closed
• Regularly cleaning your home
• Limiting your exposure to pet dander

Depending on your specific allergy triggers, Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan can recommend other resources to reduce your exposure to allergens. Routine follow-ups also ensure your medication therapy is still working effectively and your allergies are well controlled.

You don’t have to suffer from the inconvenient, uncomfortable consequences of hay fever. Find out more about your options for alleviating hay fever symptoms by calling Allergy and Clinical Immunology Medical Group or booking an appointment online today.