Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can significantly disrupt daily life, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. Hay fever affects a large portion of adults and children, hay fever can stem from various allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Fortunately, at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we offer specialized care to diagnose and manage hay fever, ensuring you and your family can breathe easier and enjoy life without constant allergy symptoms.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective hay fever treatment. Hay fever symptoms often overlap with other conditions, so distinguishing between them is essential for proper management. Our diagnostic approach typically includes the following:
Skin Prick Test: We perform this test on your back to identify common allergens that might be causing your symptoms. It involves placing small amounts of allergens on your skin and observing reactions.
Intradermal Skin Test: Administered on your upper arm, this test provides a deeper assessment of potential allergens that the skin prick test might not detect. Results are usually available within 15 minutes, helping us quickly pinpoint the allergens responsible for your hay fever.
Additional Evaluations: If necessary, we may investigate other conditions that could exacerbate hay fever symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma, or sinusitis. Identifying these conditions allows us to tailor your treatment plan more effectively.
Managing hay fever often involves a combination of treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Our approach includes:
Oral Medications: Antihistamines and decongestants can temporarily relieve symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion. These are commonly used to manage mild to moderate hay fever.
Medicated Nasal Sprays: Nasal corticosteroids and antihistamine sprays can help reduce inflammation and relieve nasal symptoms more effectively than oral medications alone.
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): Allergy shots may be recommended for those with severe hay fever who haven’t found relief with medications. Immunotherapy involves regular injections of small amounts of allergens to build tolerance over time, offering a long-term solution that can eventually eliminate hay fever symptoms.
Don’t let hay fever control your life. Our dedicated team at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group is here to help you find effective relief and manage your symptoms with personalized care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations and take the first step toward a more comfortable, allergy-free life. Call us at 805-658-9500 and start your journey to feeling better.