What happens if hay fever is left untreated

Hay fever allergic rhinitis fact sheet. Hay fever allergic rhinitis. Hay fever is very common and affects up to 30 per cent of children.

What causes hay fever? Triggers include: pollen from grasses, flowers and trees dust mites animal fur or hair dander mould spores cigarette smoke. How is it diagnosed? Hay fever treatments Hay fever can not be cured but there are ways to manage it and improve symptoms. Medical management Saline nasal spray is a saltwater spray available over the counter. Apply one spray to each nostril and then blow the nose to clear mucous. This should be done before using steroid nasal sprays to ensure a clear nose and better contact between the medicated spray and their nasal lining.

Intranasal corticosteroids are well tolerated by children and can be used long-term without problems. If the skin test is negative this suggests that the allergen tested is not the cause of the hay fever. However, some children will have a positive allergy test but do not develop symptoms when exposed to the allergen. Your child's allergist will discuss the findings with you. Nasal steroid sprays are the most effective medicine available for hay fever if your child presents mainly nasal symptoms, and most products are safe for use in children.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which products can safely be used on your child. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Some nasal steroids are only suitable in children over two years old, and some are not recommended for children under 12 years old.

A typical treatment course requires monthly injections over a period of three to five years, or taking the allergen orally each day for three years. Immunotherapy may be suitable for older children whose symptoms are not well controlled by antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays.

Before starting immunotherapy, it is important that your child's allergens are clearly identified. Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers. To donate, visit www. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals.

For a natural decongestant, Jimenez also suggests a nasal saline spray to help dissolve thick mucus. In need of a primary care physician or specialist? The Texas Health Find a Physician tool can help narrow down the right physician for you! Experts say that almost a third of allergy sufferers report impaired performance at work and more than two percent miss work altogether. If you allergic rhinitis that affects your day-to-day function, discuss treatment options with your doctor.

If the allergen s causing the allergic rhinitis is confirmed, minimising exposure to the allergen s may reduce symptoms. Although medications do not cure allergies, they are effective and have few side effects. It is important to use them correctly, and to avoid medications that can cause problems such as frequent decongestant unblocking nose sprays or tablets. Natural products such as salt water nasal sprays or douches can also be effective in relieving symptoms.

AIT involves the administration of regular, gradually increasing amounts of environmental allergen extracts, by injections or by sublingual tablets, sprays or drops under the tongue. Treatment is usually for three to five years and is typically offered for people older than five years of age with severe allergic rhinitis.

ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. Information for the community about allergic diseases, immunodeficiencies and other immune diseases. See latest edition here Join our mailing list:.

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