Hay Fever Relief
Approximately 15% to 20% of the US population has some degree of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. It is found equally in both men and women. Hay fever is often seasonal, but it can last all year long if the allergen stays throughout the year. Spring and fall are the main hay fever seasons. The Gulf Coast presents us with a whole host of things that can cause hay fever, including ragweed, grasses and cedar, oak and hickory pollen. As a dual board-certified and fellowship-trained allergist and immunologist,
Dr. Justin Clark is an expert when it comes to treating hay fever. Visit our state-of-the-art allergy & asthma center in Fort Walton Beach or Navarre, Florida.
What causes hay fever?
Despite its name, hay fever is not caused by hay and it does not cause a fever. Symptoms such as eye irritation, sneezing and nasal congestion that afflict farmers while harvesting field hay is what promoted this popular term. Hay fever is caused by allergens, foreign substances such as pollens and molds that enter the body by inhalation. The most common symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, postnasal drip and a sensation of plugged ear(s).
Treating hay fever.
Once Dr. Clark has discovered what triggers your hay fever, he will develop a personalized treatment plan designed for effective, lasting relief. This may include allergy shots (immunotherapy), antihistamines, topical nasal steroids, oral decongestants and leukotriene modifiers. Of course, one of the most effective treatments is to simply avoid the allergen causing your hay fever.