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If you’re one of the 24 million Americans living with persistent nasal congestion, sneezing, and other symptoms of hay fever, you can find help at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates. Our allergy experts offer comprehensive hay fever care to children and adults that need help managing ongoing hay fever symptoms. We provide fast appointments for in-office allergy tests and personalize a treatment plan using lifestyle changes, medication, and immunotherapy, making it easier to manage hay fever. Call the office closest to you in Carrollwood, South Tampa, or Brando, Florida, today to schedule a hay fever consultation or book an appointment online.
Hay Fever Q&A
What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to substances in your environment like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight against it. The antibodies trigger the cold-like symptoms associated with hay fever.
The Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates team provides comprehensive hay fever care for children and adults. Fast appointments are available so that you can have your symptoms treated in a timely fashion.
When should I seek medical care for hay fever?
People can manage mild hay fever symptoms with over-the-counter allergy medications. But, over time, these medications can become ineffective.
You should schedule a hay fever evaluation at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates if you can’t manage your symptoms at home or if they worsen. Hay fever symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Itchy throat
- Postnasal drip
- Under-eye swelling
It’s easy to confuse hay fever symptoms with a cold. The team carries out allergy blood and patch tests to identify which substances you’re allergic to, so they can help you manage them more efficiently.
How is hay fever treated?
Based on the results of your allergy tests, our Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates team will recommend methods you can use to avoid known allergens. They also offer treatments to relieve your existing symptoms and prevent additional allergy complications, including:
Medication
Corticosteroids, antihistamines, and nasal decongestants clear nasal congestion and ease itchy, watery eyes. Your provider can prescribe stronger allergy medication if over-the-counter products aren’t working.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that desensitizes your immune system to the allergens in your environment. Injecting tiny amounts of known allergens into your body over several months or years can reduce immune system reaction to keep you symptom-free.
You can expect to schedule routine checkups with the team to ensure your treatment works. They could also suggest lifestyle changes you can make, like staying indoors when pollen counts are high and using high-quality air filters in your home to minimize your allergen exposure.
Call the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates office near you today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for hay fever symptoms or book an appointment online.