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. This region of Southern California presents us with a whole host of things that can cause hay fever, including grasses (e.g., Bermuda, fescue, orchard and Timothy), trees (e.g., oak, olive, maple, walnut and sycamore) and weeds (e.g., ragweed, sagebrush, lamb's quarters and Russian thistle). At Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California, our board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists are experts when it comes to treating hay fever.
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 from allergies, postnasal drip and a sensation of plugged ear(s).
Treating hay fever
After discovering what is triggering your hay fever, one of our allergy doctors will develop a personalized treatment plan designed for effective, lasting relief. This may include allergy shots (immunotherapy), oral immunotherapy, antihistamines, topical nasal steroids and oral decongestants. Of course, one of the most effective treatments is to simply avoid the allergen causing your hay fever. Finally, our doctors always look at the most conservative and cost-effective treatment for allergies first.
For more information about hay fever treatment or to schedule your personal appointment with one of our allergy doctors, call (949) 364-2900 today. Our patients come to us from Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistsrano, Talega, Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Dana Point and Irvine in Orange County (OC), CA.
