How can I most effectively control my hay fever symptoms?
September 9, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Roberta Weinert
Dear Doctor,
My name is Claudia Busch and I have been suffering from hay fever for years. In the past few weeks, however, my symptoms have worsened and I no longer know how to effectively control them. Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing fits, and breathing difficulties are causing me a great deal of trouble and significantly affecting my quality of life.
I have already tried various remedies such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Unfortunately, they don't seem to work as well as they used to. Avoiding triggers such as pollen, grasses, and dust mites is also difficult, as I spend a lot of time outdoors for work and cannot completely isolate myself.
I am worried that the symptoms will worsen even more and I will no longer be able to cope with my daily life. Therefore, I wonder if there are other options to control my hay fever symptoms. Are there any new medications or therapies that I could try? Or are there strategies that can help me reduce the symptoms in the long term?
I would be very grateful for your help and advice. I hope that you can give me some tips on how to effectively control my hay fever symptoms and improve my quality of life.
Sincerely,
Claudia Busch
Dear Mrs. Busch,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ear, nose, and throat doctor. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from such severe hay fever symptoms and that the previous treatments do not seem to be as effective anymore.
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition triggered by an allergic reaction to pollen, grasses, or other allergens. The symptoms you describe, such as itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and respiratory difficulties, are typical of hay fever and can significantly impact your quality of life.
It is understandable that you are concerned about how to better control your symptoms. In addition to the antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops you have already mentioned, there are indeed other treatment options that could help you. One of them is immunotherapy, also known as desensitization therapy. In this treatment, small amounts of the allergen are administered to the body to slowly acclimate the immune system and reduce the allergic reaction. This therapy can be very effective in the long term and significantly alleviate the symptoms.
Another option would be the use of corticosteroid nasal sprays, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can therefore reduce symptoms. Local corticosteroid eye drops can also be helpful for itchy and watery eyes.
It is important to also take care of your environment to reduce exposure to allergens. Regular ventilation, using air filters, and avoiding pets in the bedroom can help improve symptoms.
I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with an allergist who can further examine your symptoms and suggest more targeted treatment options. He or she can also provide individual therapy recommendations and help you control your hay fever symptoms in the long term.
I hope this information helps you and that you soon find an effective treatment for your hay fever symptoms. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions. I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Roberta Weinert, Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor
