Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is usually caused by a reaction to pollen, Trees, grass and weeds are the most common sources of pollen grains that are dispersed in the air. The illness’ symptoms include headache, itching nose, mouth, eyes, throat and skin, runny nose, watery eyes and wheezing. You can be tested for hay fever through blood test or skin prick test. Since it is possible you are not only allergic to a single kind of pollen, you should expect to be tested for different pollen sources.

There are many available medication used today to treat hay fever symptoms. You should remember that the objective of these medications is to treat the symptoms. The best way still is to avoid the possible cause of your allergy. Medications for hay fever include:

- Antihistamines- there are three kinds of antihistamines: fast-acting, short-acting and long-acting. Fast-acting antihistamines are usually given to treat the symptoms after the hay fever episode. Example of this type of anti-histamine is chlorphenamine. Short-acting antihistamines, like loratadine and azelastine, treat mild and moderate symptoms. They are usually bought over the counter without a prescription. You should be careful in taking this antihistamine since it can cause drowsiness. On the other hand, long-acting antihistamine does not result to drowsiness. They could also be as effective as the other antihistamines. Examples include cetirizine and fexofenadine.

- Leukotriene receptor antagonists: this particular type of medication is very effective, without causing drowsiness in the person. Since they are long-acting, doctors instruct patients to take it only once a day. Montelukast and zafirlukast are examples of this medication.

- Corticosteroid nasal sprays: considered to be safer than oral medication, nasal sprays are as effective in relieving symptoms of hay fever. Some examples of this medication are fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, triaamcinolone and beclomethasone.

- Topical decongestant: as the name implies, this medication relieves nasal decongestion which is the most common symptom of hay fever. Doctors do not advice using this medication for long periods since it can result to drug-induced nasal congestion.

- Cromolyn sodium: this medication acts to prevent your mast cells from releasing the histamine which causes the symptoms. The medication is available as nasal spray or eye drop. It relieves nasal congestion and conjunctivitis. Examples of this drug are Nasalcrom and Crolom.

- Allergy shots: this treatment is recommended for people regularly exposed to the specific allergen and whose symptoms are getting more difficult to manage. This involves regular allergen injection at increasing dosages, forcing the body to adapt to the presence of the allergen. This therapy is the most expensive and is usually performed as a last resort. The risk of causing a secondary allergy like asthma is also high.

- Herbal remedies: herbs such as eyebright, nettle and bayberry are known to relieve nasal congestion. Turmeric and feverfew, on the other hand, have shown to be effective in treating hay fever by reducing inflammation of the mucosa.

These hay fever medications or treatments should be performed under close supervision of your doctor to safeguard you from adverse drug reactions.

Most adults have had at least one experience with drinking too much alcohol and ending up with a hangover. It can cause a headache, fatigue, nausea and dizziness. To prevent a hangover, do not drink to excess. However, if you do imbibe too much you can help a hangover with herbal remedies.

_ Willow – There are pain-relieving ingredients in the bark of the willow, and you should take this remedy as a tea. To make the tea, steep willow bark in hot water for 10 minutes, strain and drink.

_ Dandelion – Dandelion is known to stimulate the liver, which may help in alcohol dissipation. It is also a source of anti-oxidants and can help with stomachaches.

_ Ginkgo – Gingko helps improve circulation and helps relieve dizziness.

For these reasons it may be a good hangover remedy

_ Honey and Fruit – The fructose in fruit and honey helps speed up the metabolism of alcohol and helps to decrease the effects of a hangover. If you just can’t think about eating a piece of fruit, have a cup of warm tea with honey.

Hay Fever and Allergies

Hay fever is an allergy to certain weeds and flowers that occurs most often in spring and summer. Allergies occur year-round. People can be allergic to many things, but the most common allergies are to pet dander and pollen. Herbal remedies are most effective for those with mild forms of allergies. If you are currently taking prescription medication for allergies consult your doctor before taking herbal remedies.

_ Stinging Nettle – Studies have found that this herb works as well as conventional medications for treating the symptoms of hay fever. Stinging nettle is available in capsule form.

_ Peppermint – The anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint help to calm mucous membranes. The scent of peppermint when inhaled helps you feel as though you can breathe easier. You may drink tea or you can steep the peppermint and breathe in the steam.

_ Licorice Root – The anti-allergy properties of licorice act similarly to cortisone drugs but without the side effects. For hay fever be sure to get whole licorice, not the type labeled DGL, which is used for ulcers.

_ Garlic – Garlic contains an anti-inflammatory substance called quercetin, which can help calm an allergic response in the body.

Headaches

Headaches occur in everyone from time to time. They are commonly a dull ache that happens in the temple or forehead and comes on during the day. Migraine headaches are a result of insufficient blood flow to the brain, and should be treated by a doctor to determine any underlying cause. Herbal remedies can be helpful in treating regular headaches, and be sure to drink water when you have a headache. Many low-grade headaches are actually caused by a mild form of dehydration.

_ Feverfew – Feverfew contains substances that inhibit the release of mood hormones in the brain. For best results, use fresh feverfew. When that isn’t available, take as a tea or in capsule form.

_ Bay – There have been some doctors who recommend taking feverfew with bay to prevent a migraine headache. You can often find a combination available in a health food store.

_ Ginger – Ginger has long been known to relieve and also to prevent headaches. It is an anti-inflammatory and also has substances that help reduce pain. Take in capsule form, according to directions.

_ Peppermint – Taken internally or used externally, peppermint can help relieve a headache. To take internally, drink peppermint tea. To use externally, mix several drops of peppermint oil with lotion or body oil and massage into the temples.

Hay Fever: What is it?

Hay fever is a condition that is seasonal that is the direct result of an allergic reaction to pollen. There are tests available that can determine if you have a pollen allergy as well as which type of pollen you are more sensitive to.

What Are The Symptoms of Hay Fever?

Sneezing Runny Nose Watery Eyes Congestion Itchy Nose Fatigue

There will be days when your symptoms might seem better than others and this can be due to the weather. Climate has an impact on how high the pollen count will be. When there is rain this tends to lower the pollen count as it cleans the air. However windy days will kick up the pollen and make symptoms worsen.

How Can I Control My Pollen Allergy?

There are several things that you can do to help control your allergy to pollen. Some of the easy ways to help control your allergy are:

Take a shower after you have been outside as pollen can cling to skin Change clothes after being outside as pollen also can cling to your clothes Try to stay indoors during high allergy alerts Talk to your doctor about possible over the counter or prescription medication options to help you get relief

If you suffer from hay fever or think that you might it is a good idea to get tested for pollen allergies. There are some people who actually move to get away from the plants and climate that worsen their condition.