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Hay fever can make you miserable with constant sniffling, sneezing, and wheezing. Turn to the Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates for innovative testing and treatment options to give you the relief you need and deserve. They can help you manage your hay fever and enhance your overall wellness. Call for an appointment at one of their six locations in Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, or Arvada, Colorado. You can also use the online scheduler to check availability.
Hay Fever Q & A
What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction when your immune system overreacts to substances in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander. The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team specializes in diagnosing and treating hay fever, providing you with comprehensive care and support.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
The symptoms of hay fever can be bothersome and affect your daily life. They typically include:
- Sneezing
- Itching or tingling sensation in the nose
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing
These symptoms often occur seasonally, depending on the allergens that trigger your hay fever. However, some individuals may experience perennial allergic rhinitis, where symptoms persist year-round due to indoor allergens.
What causes hay fever?
An allergic reaction to specific airborne allergens causes hay fever. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds are common triggers for seasonal hay fever. Indoor allergens, such as dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander, can also cause perennial hay fever.
When you come into contact with these allergens, your immune system releases chemicals like histamine, leading to inflammation and hay fever symptoms.
How is hay fever diagnosed?
The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team can diagnose hay fever through a comprehensive evaluation. They review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may recommend allergy testing.
Allergy testing can involve skin prick tests or blood tests to identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. This helps determine the precise cause of your hay fever and guides the development of an effective treatment plan.
How is hay fever treated?
The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team offers various treatment options tailored to your needs. Medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, or leukotriene modifiers can be prescribed to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation.
In addition to medications, allergen immunotherapy, such as allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy, may be recommended. These treatments involve gradually exposing you to increasing amounts of allergens to desensitize your immune system and reduce your allergic response over time.
You should also keep your windows closed during high pollen seasons, use air purifiers, and implement dust mite or pet dander control measures as avoidance strategies.
If you suffer from hay fever, you don’t have to. Make a call or use the online scheduler today to book an appointment with the Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team.