Hay fever, also known as Allergic Rhinitis (AR), is a common condition that becomes more frequent during the spring season. It affects approximately 20% of people across all age groups. Children who have asthma or eczema are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Causes (Seasonal)
Hay fever is typically triggered by allergens in the environment, including:
- Tree, grass, and weed pollen
- Fungal and mold spores
Symptoms
Symptoms of hay fever can affect multiple parts of the body:
Nose
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Nasal itching
- Post-nasal drip
- Facial pressure or pain
Eyes
- Itchy or red eyes
- Swelling
- Dark or bluish skin under the eyes
Throat and Ears
- Sore or itchy throat
- Ear congestion
- Itchy ears
Sleep and Daily Function
- Mouth breathing
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating, especially in children (may affect school performance)
Treatment
Managing hay fever involves reducing exposure to triggers and using appropriate medications.
Reduce Exposure to Triggers
- Keep children indoors during peak pollen hours (5 AM – 10 AM)
- Keep car and house windows closed; use air conditioning
- Have your child shower before bedtime to remove pollen
Nasal Care
- Nasal rinsing can be helpful for older children to clear pollen and mucus
Medications
- Steroid nasal sprays (first-line treatment):
Examples include Nasacort, Flonase, and Rhinocort (some available over the counter)- Use correctly: keep head upright, aim spray away from nasal septum, and sniff gently after use
- Antihistamines (e.g., Claritin, Allegra):
- Help relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose
- May cause drowsiness in some individuals
- Consult a pediatrician before use
- Combination therapy (nasal spray + antihistamine) often provides the best results
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
- Recommended for children who do not respond well to standard treatments
- Administered weekly or monthly by an allergist
- Helps modify the body’s immune response over time
- May reduce the risk of developing allergic asthma later in life
Areas We Serve
Epic Urgent and Family Care provides treatment for hay fever in the following areas:
Neighborhoods
Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Inverness, Barrington, South Barrington, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Deerfield, Mount Prospect, Lake Zurich, Glenview, Vernon Hills, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Downers Grove
ZIP Codes
60004, 60074, 60010, 60011, 60005, 60007, 60008, 60015, 60016, 60018, 60025, 60047, 60061, 60062, 60067, 60656, 60089, 60090, 60106, 60107, 60169, 60192, 60193