Hay Fever FAQ

Why do I always get hay fever during the spring and summer?

Hay fever refers to a wide variety of allergic reactions with similar symptoms. If you are consistently seeing symptoms of hay fever during the spring and summer, it is likely that you are allergic to pollen, which is plentiful during the spring and summer seasons. If your hay fever is not too severe, you can simply prepare by having over the counter antihistamines prepared for the days that your hay fever is acting up. If it is more severe, we recommend seeing an allergist.

I never had hay fever until this year. How is this possible?

Allergic reactions tend to develop after exposure to a certain amount of the allergen. People with a disposition for a certain allergen become "sensitized" to it via repeated exposure. So it's completely plausible to develop a "new" allergy where there was none previously.

Is it possible to "outgrow" allergies?

Sometimes, but there is no way to predict this. It is best to treat hay fever as a chronic problem that needs to be managed. Some children can "outgrow" certain atopic problems like atopic dermatitis, or asthma, but hay fever tends to be a condition that persists. In all cases, there is no guarantee.

What is the best treatment for hay fever?

This will depend on what you are allergic to. Unfortunately, for many people with hay fever, complete avoidance is not a realistic option.

I am allergic to pollen, but can't realistically avoid it all the time. What can I do?

Airborne allergens like pollen are difficult to avoid. Wind can move pollen great distances, and thus, completely avoiding it may not be possible. As most of us have to work, staying indoors is also not a realistic option all the time. Focus on minimizing exposure and early treatment of symptoms. Here are some tips to help you keep clear:

• As much as possible try to avoid the outdoors during the day
• During the spring, pollen is highest in the evening, and during the fall, pollen is highest during the morning hours
• Many weather reports will include pollen levels for the day
• Keep your windows closed when you are in the house
• When travelling by car, turn on the air conditioner and keep your windows closed
• Have antihistamine tablets available on hand
• Take medication before going outdoors as a preventative measure