Pharmacist update

23/10/2023

We just ask for justice and humanity.

23/11/2022

Dates are healthy sugar

16/09/2022

Vitamin D

13/09/2022

13/09/2022

CPR

13/09/2022

The glands are not usually noticeable because they're rarely larger than 1cm (0.4 inches) across.

The Bartholin's glands secrete fluid that acts as a lubricant during s*x. The fluid travels down tiny tubes called ducts into the va**na.

If the ducts become blocked, they can fill with fluid and expand to form a cyst.

It's often not known why the ducts become blocked, but sometimes it's linked to s*xually transmitted bacterial infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, or other bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).

How Bartholin's cysts are treated
If you do not have any noticeable symptoms, it's unlikely you'll need treatment.

If the cyst is painful, a GP may recommend some simple self-care measures, such as soaking the cyst in warm water several times a day for 3 or 4 days and taking painkillers you can buy from a pharmacy or supermarket.

If these do not work, several treatments are available to treat the pain and any infection. If necessary, the cyst can be drained. Most of these treatments involve a minor surgical procedure.

A Bartholin's cyst can sometimes return after treatment.

Who's affected
A Bartholin's cyst usually affects s*xually active women aged 20 to 30.

Bartholin's cysts do not usually affect children because the Bartholin's glands do not start functioning until puberty.

The cysts are also uncommon after the menopause as this usually causes the Bartholin's glands to shrink.

Preventing Bartholin's cysts
It's not clear exactly why Bartholin's cysts develop, so it's not usually possible to prevent them.

But as some are thought to be linked to STIs, practising safe s*x (using a condom every time you have s*x) can help reduce your chances of developing Bartholin's

11/09/2022

Fevers are healthy

29/08/2022

In brief

12/06/2022

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can lead to widespread pain and tender points in your muscles and fibrous tissues (tendons, ligaments). This can lead to problems with sleep, low mood, and daytime drowsiness, sometimes interfering with work, school or other daily activities. Symptoms can vary from person-to-person and may fluctuate. Fibromyalgia affects 4 million people in the US, particularly women, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A number of different medicines have been studied in fibromyalgia. Lyrica (pregabalin) first became licensed for this use in June 2007. Other treatments, such as Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Savella (milnacipran) are now also approved. Physical exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy (changing your thought patterns), mindfulness and patient education also can play a positive role in treatment.

Inflammation does not typically occur with fibromyalgia, and common NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen have not been proven effective. Research suggest the nervous system is involved, and medications such as anti-seizure drugs and antidepressants appear to be most helpful.

Table 1: Summary of Fibromyalgia Drug Treatment Options
Treatment Dose or Usage How effective Common side effects
pregabalin (Lyrica) - generic available in US

Note: Efficacy of Lyrica CR has not been established for treatment of fibromyalgia

In anti-seizure class of drugs

Initial dose: 75 mg orally twice a day

Increase dose to 150 mg orally twice a day within 1 week based on efficacy and tolerability; the dose may be further increased to 225 mg orally twice a day, if needed.

Maximum dose: 450 mg per day

A Cochrane review found that pregabalin 300 to 600 mg resulted in a reduction in pain over 12 to 26 weeks for patients with moderate to severe pain. However, the effect was limited and only about 10% over placebo group. Improvements in pain was accompanied by improved quality of life.

The results were similar to other approved fibromyalgia treatments such as milnacipran (Savella) and duloxetine (Cymbalta

23/05/2022

Reposting

18/05/2022

Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged.

It's usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye.

Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it's not diagnosed and treated early.

It can affect people of all ages, but is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.

Symptoms of glaucoma
Glaucoma does not usually cause any symptoms to begin with.

It tends to develop slowly over many years and affects the edges of your vision (peripheral vision) first.

For this reason, many people do not realise they have glaucoma, and it's often only picked up during a routine eye test.

If you do notice any symptoms, they might include blurred vision, or seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights.

Both eyes are usually affected, although it may be worse in 1 eye.

Very occasionally, glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause:

intense eye pain
nausea and vomiting
a red eye
a headache
tenderness around the eyes
seeing rings around lights
blurred vision
When to get medical advice
Visit an opticians or a GP if you have any concerns about your vision.

If you have glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment can help stop your vision getting worse.

Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually lead to blindness.

If you develop symptoms of glaucoma suddenly, go to your nearest eye casualty unit or A&E as soon as possible.

This is a medical emergency that may require immediate treatment.

Types of glaucoma
There are several different types of glaucoma.

The most common is called primary open angle glaucoma. This tends to develop slowly over many years.

It's caused by the drainage channels in the eye becoming gradually clogged over time.

Other types of glaucoma include:

acute angle closure glaucoma – an uncommon type caused by the drainage in the eye becoming suddenly blocked, which can raise the pressure inside the eye very quickly
secondary glaucoma – caused by an underlying eye condition, such as inflammation of the eye (uveitis)
childhood glaucoma (congenital glaucoma) – a rare type that occurs in very young children, caused by an abnormality of the eye
Causes of glaucoma
Glaucoma can occur for a number of reasons.

Most cases are caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye when fluid is unable to drain properly.

This increase in pressure then damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain (optic nerve).

It's often unclear why this happens, although certain things can increase the risk, including:

your age – glaucoma becomes more common as you get older
your ethnicity – people of African, Caribbean or Asian origin are at a higher risk
your family history – you're more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a parent or sibling with the condition
other medical conditions – such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and diabetes
It's not clear whether you can do anything to prevent glaucoma, but having regular eye tests should pick it up as early as possible.

Tests for glaucoma
Glaucoma can usually be detected during a routine eye test at an opticians, often before it causes any noticeable symptoms.

The tests are carried out in the opticians by an optometrist.

You should have a routine eye test at least every 2 years.

Find out if you're eligible for free NHS eye tests

Several quick and painless tests can be carried out to check for glaucoma, including vision tests and measurements of the pressure inside your eye.

If tests suggest you have glaucoma, you should be referred to a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist) to discuss treatment.

Find out how glaucoma is diagnosed

Treatments for glaucoma
It's not possible to reverse any loss of vision that occurred before glaucoma was diagnosed, but treatment can help stop your vision getting worse.

The treatment recommended for you will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, but the options are:

eyedrops – to reduce the pressure in your eyes
laser treatment – to open up the blocked drainage tubes or reduce the production of fluid in your eyes
surgery – to improve the drainage of fluid
You'll also probably need regular appointments to monitor your condition and check the treatment is working.

Further support for glaucoma
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the International Glaucoma Association have more information on glaucoma and offer further support for people affected by glaucoma

15/05/2022

Adrenal gland..

09/05/2022

Parkinson’s Disease:
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.

Older woman and her caregiverWhile virtually anyone could be at risk for developing Parkinson’s, some research studies suggest this disease affects more men than women. It’s unclear why, but studies are underway to understand factors that may increase a person’s risk. One clear risk is age: Although most people with Parkinson’s first develop the disease after age 60, about 5% to 10% experience onset before the age of 50. Early-onset forms of Parkinson’s are often, but not always, inherited, and some forms have been linked to specific gene mutations.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?
The most prominent signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease occur when nerve cells in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that controls movement, become impaired and/or die. Normally, these nerve cells, or neurons, produce an important brain chemical known as dopamine. When the neurons die or become impaired, they produce less dopamine, which causes the movement problems associated with the disease. Scientists still do not know what causes the neurons to die.

a computer generated graphic of the brain with labels pointing to the basal ganglia.

People with Parkinson’s disease also lose the nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, the main chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls many functions of the body, such as heart rate and blood pressure. The loss of norepinephrine might help explain some of the non-movement features of Parkinson’s, such as fatigue, irregular blood pressure, decreased movement of food through the digestive tract, and sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position.

Many brain cells of people with Parkinson’s disease contain Lewy bodies, unusual clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein. Scientists are trying to better understand the normal and abnormal functions of alpha-synuclein and its relationship to genetic mutations that impact Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia.

Some cases of Parkinson’s disease appear to be hereditary, and a few cases can be traced to specific genetic mutations. While genetics is thought to play a role in Parkinson’s, in most cases the disease does not seem to run in families. Many researchers now believe that Parkinson’s results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s has four main symptoms:

Tremor in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
Muscle stiffness, where muscle remains contracted for a long time
Slowness of movement
Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls
Other symptoms may include:

Depression and other emotional changes
Difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking
Urinary problems or constipation
Skin problems
The symptoms of Parkinson’s and the rate of progression differ among individuals. Early symptoms of this disease are subtle and occur gradually. For example, people may feel mild tremors or have difficulty getting out of a chair. They may notice that they speak too softly, or that their handwriting is slow and looks cramped or small. Friends or family members may be the first to notice changes in someone with early Parkinson’s. They may see that the person’s face lacks expression and animation, or that the person does not move an arm or leg normally.

People with Parkinson's disease often develop a parkinsonian gait that includes a tendency to lean forward; take small, quick steps; and reduce swinging their arms. They also may have trouble initiating or continuing movement.

Symptoms often begin on one side of the body or even in one limb on one side of the body. As the disease progresses, it eventually affects both sides. However, the symptoms may still be more severe on one side than on the other.

Many people with Parkinson’s disease note that prior to experiencing stiffness and tremor, they had sleep problems, constipation, loss of smell, and restless legs. While some of these symptoms may also occur with normal aging, talk with your doctor if these symptoms worsen or begin to interfere with daily living.

Changes in cognition and Parkinson’s disease
Some people with Parkinson’s may experience changes in their cognitive function, including problems with memory, attention, and the ability to plan and accomplish tasks. Stress, depression, and some medications may also contribute to these changes in cognition.

Over time, as the disease progresses, some people may develop dementia and be diagnosed with Parkinson’s dementia, a type of Lewy body dementia. People with Parkinson’s dementia may have severe memory and thinking problems that affect daily living.

Talk with your doctor if you or a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is experiencing problems with thinking or memory.

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
There are currently no blood or laboratory tests to diagnose non-genetic cases of Parkinson’s. Doctors usually diagnose the disease by taking a person’s medical history and performing a neurological examination. If symptoms improve after starting to take medication, it’s another indicator that the person has Parkinson’s.

A number of disorders can cause symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s-like symptoms that result from other causes, such as multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies, are sometimes said to have parkinsonism. While these disorders initially may be misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s, certain medical tests, as well as response to drug treatment, may help to better evaluate the cause. Many other diseases have similar features but require different treatments, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.

Treatments for Parkinson’s disease
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medicines, surgical treatment, and other therapies can often relieve some symptoms.

Medicines for Parkinson’s disease
Medicines can help treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s by:

Increasing the level of dopamine in the brain
Having an effect on other brain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, which transfer information between brain cells
Helping control non-movement symptoms
The main therapy for Parkinson’s is levodopa. Nerve cells use levodopa to make dopamine to replenish the brain’s dwindling supply. Usually, people take levodopa along with another medication called carbidopa. Carbidopa prevents or reduces some of the side effects of levodopa therapy — such as nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and restlessness — and reduces the amount of levodopa needed to improve symptoms.

People living with Parkinson’s disease should never stop taking levodopa without telling their doctor. Suddenly stopping the drug may have serious side effects, like being unable to move or having difficulty breathing.

The doctor may prescribe other medicines to treat Parkinson’s symptoms, including:

Dopamine agonists to stimulate the production of dopamine in the brain
Enzyme inhibitors (e.g., MAO-B inhibitors, COMT inhibitors) to increase the amount of dopamine by slowing down the enzymes that break down dopamine in the brain
Amantadine to help reduce involuntary movements
Anticholinergic drugs to reduce tremors and muscle rigidity
Deep brain stimulation
For people with Parkinson’s disease who do not respond well to medications, the doctor may recommend deep brain stimulation. During a surgical procedure, a doctor implants electrodes into part of the brain and connects them to a small electrical device implanted in the chest. The device and electrodes painlessly stimulate specific areas in the brain that control movement in a way that may help stop many of the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremor, slowness of movement, and rigidity.

Other therapies
Other therapies that may help manage Parkinson’s symptoms include:

Physical, occupational, and speech therapies, which may help with gait and voice disorders, tremors and rigidity, and decline in mental functions
A healthy diet to support overall wellness
Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve balance, flexibility, and coordination
Massage therapy to reduce tension
Yoga and tai chi to increase stretching and flexibility

08/05/2022

Addison's Disease
Addison’s disease is a rare but serious adrenal gland disorder in which the body can't produce enough of two critical hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. Patients with Addison's will need hormone replacement therapy for life.
Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Tests Management and Treatment Outlook / Prognosis Living With
ADDISON'S DISEASE
OVERVIEW
What is Addison's disease?
Addison’s disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands – which sit on top of the kidneys – do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. (Hormones are chemicals that control the function of tissues or organs.)

Cortisol helps the body respond to stress, including the stress of illness, injury, or surgery. It also helps maintain blood pressure, heart function, the immune system and blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Aldosterone affects the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood. This in turn controls the amount of fluid the kidneys remove as urine, which affects blood volume and blood pressure.

Addison’s disease is also called “primary adrenal insufficiency.” A related disorder, “secondary adrenal insufficiency,” occurs when the pituitary, a small gland at the base of the brain, does not secrete enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which activates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

How common is Addison’s disease?
In the United States, Addison’s disease affects 1 in 100,000 people. It occurs in both men and women equally and in all age groups, but is most common in the 30-50 year-old age range.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What causes Addison’s disease?
Addison’s disease is caused by an autoimmune response, which occurs when the body’s immune system (which protects it from infection) assaults its own organs and tissues. With Addison’s disease, the immune system attacks the outer portion of the adrenal glands (the cortex), where cortisol and aldosterone are made.

Other causes of Addison’s disease include:

Injury to the adrenal glands
Infection, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS-related infections, and fungal infections
Cancer cells from another part of the body that have invaded the adrenal glands
Bleeding into the adrenal glands
Surgical removal of the adrenal glands
Amyloidosis (abnormal buildup of certain proteins in the organs)
Genetic defects

What are the symptoms of Addison’s disease?
The damage to the adrenal glands happens slowly over time, and symptoms occur gradually. The most common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Abnormal menstrual periods
Craving for salty food
Dehydration
Depression
Diarrhea
Irritability
Lightheadedness or dizziness when standing up
Loss of appetite
Low blood glucose
Low blood pressure
Muscle weakness
Nausea
Patches of dark skin, especially around scars, skin folds, and joints
Sensitivity to cold
Unexplained weight loss
Vomiting
Worsening fatigue (extreme tiredness)
In some cases – such as an injury, illness, or time of intense stress – symptoms can come on quickly and cause a serious event called an Addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. An Addisonian crisis is a medical emergency. If it is not treated, it can lead to shock and death. Symptoms of an Addisonian crisis include:

Feeling restless, confused, or afraid, or other mental changes
Dehydration
Extreme weakness
Having trouble staying awake, or a total loss of consciousness
High fever
Lightheadedness or feeling faint
Paleness
Severe vomiting and diarrhea
Sudden, deep pain in the lower back, belly or legs
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How is Addison’s disease diagnosed?
To determine if you have Addison’s disease, your doctor might use the following:

History and physical: Your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Dark patches on your skin might be a clue for your doctor to consider testing for Addison’s disease.
Blood tests: These will be done to measure the levels of sodium, potassium, cortisol and ACTH in your blood.
ACTH stimulation test: This tests the adrenal glands’ response after you are given a shot of artificial ACTH. If the adrenal glands produce low levels of cortisol after the shot, they may not be functioning properly.
X-rays: These may be done to look for calcium deposits on the adrenal glands.
Computed tomography (CT scan): Computed tomography uses computers to combine many X-ray images into cross-sectional views. A CT scan might be done to evaluate the adrenals and/or pituitary gland. For example, it can show if the immune system has damaged the adrenal glands or if the glands are infected.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How is Addison’s disease treated?
To treat Addison’s disease, your doctor may prescribe hormones similar to those made by the adrenal glands; for instance, hydrocortisone pills to replace cortisol. If you are also lacking aldosterone, you may receive fludrocortisone acetate pills. If you are taking fludrocortisone, your doctor might tell you to increase your salt intake, especially in hot and humid weather and after vigorous exercise. In emergencies and during surgery, the medicine is given intravenously (directly into a vein).

OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS
What is the outlook for people with Addison’s disease?
People who have Addison’s disease will need to take medicine for the rest of their lives and can live normal healthy lives.

If you have Addison’s disease, you should carry an identification card and wear a bracelet at all times to let medical personnel know you have the disease.

Always have extra medicine on hand in case you become ill and need more. Ask your doctor about keeping a shot of cortisol for emergencies, and be sure someone with you knows how to give you the shot.

LIVING WITH
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if you have a major stress – such as an injury, illness, or the death of a loved one – because you might need an adjustment to your medicine. Also, seek medical attention right away if you have any of the symptoms.

07/05/2022

(Hay Fever)
Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, itchy nose and sore throat. Pollen, pet dander, mold and insects can lead to hay fever symptoms. Hay fever can make you feel awful, but you can find relief with lifestyle changes, allergy medications and immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Tests Management and Treatment Prevention Outlook / Prognosis Living With
OVERVIEW
What is allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic reaction to tiny particles in the air called allergens. When you breathe in allergens through your nose or mouth, your body reacts by releasing a natural chemical called histamine. Several indoor and outdoor allergens cause hay fever. Common causes include dust mites, mold, pet dander and pollen from trees and plants.

Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, nasal congestion and irritation of the nose, throat, mouth and eyes. Allergic rhinitis is not the same as infectious rhinitis, otherwise known as the common cold.
When do people usually get hay fever?
You can have hay fever any time of the year. Seasonal allergies occur in the spring, summer and early fall when trees and weeds bloom and pollen counts are higher. Perennial allergies can happen year-round. They result from irritants that are always around, such as pet dander, cockroaches and dust mites.

How common is allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?
Hay fever is very common. In the United States, around 15% to 20% of the population has allergic rhinitis. Millions of children and adults have hay fever every year.

Who might get allergic rhinitis?
Allergies are inherited (passed down through families). You’re more likely to have hay fever if you have a parent or family member with allergies. People who have asthma or eczema are more likely to develop hay fever.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What causes allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?
Allergic rhinitis occurs when your body’s immune system reacts to an irritant in the air. The irritants (allergens) are so tiny that you can easily inhale them through your nose or mouth.

Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you have hay fever, your immune system thinks the allergen is intruding. The immune system tries to protect your body by releasing natural chemicals into your bloodstream. The main chemical is called histamine. It causes mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat to become inflamed and itchy as they work to eject the allergen.

Seasonal and perennial allergies can result from many allergens, including:

Dust mites that live in carpets, drapes, bedding and furniture.
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds.
Pet dander (tiny flakes of dead skin).
Mold spores.
Cockroaches, including their saliva and waste.
Food allergies can also cause inflammation in the nose and throat. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to something you ate, get medical help right away. Food allergies can be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?
Hay fever symptoms can appear throughout the year. Outdoor allergies are worse in the spring, summer and early fall. In warm weather, weeds and flowers bloom, and pollen counts are higher. Indoor allergies, such as those that result from pet dander and dust mites, can get worse in winter because people spend more time indoors.

Symptoms of hay fever include:

Nasal stuffiness (congestion), sneezing and runny nose.
Itchy nose, throat and eyes.
Headaches, sinus pain and dark circles under the eyes.
Increased mucus in the nose and throat.
Fatigue and malaise (general feeling of discomfort).
Sore throat from mucus dripping down the throat (postnasal drip).
Wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How is hay fever diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you, ask about your symptoms and evaluate you for other conditions, such as a cold or asthma. To measure your antibodies to specific allergens, your provider may take a blood sample and send it to a lab for testing. This blood test is called an immunoglobulin E (IgE) test. It can detect all types of allergies, including food allergies.

Your provider may recommend a skin prick test to determine what allergens are causing your symptoms.

What is a skin prick test?
This common test is painless and accurate, though it may be a little uncomfortable. Your provider places a small sample of different allergens on your skin (usually on your forearm or back) and scratches or pricks the skin with a needle. Scratching the skin allows the allergen to get under the surface.

If you’re allergic to the allergen, the area will become red, itchy and irritated in 15 to 30 minutes. You may develop raised, hive-like welts called wheals that show an allergic reaction. A skin prick test is a safe, effective way to determine which allergens are causing your symptoms.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How is allergic rhinitis (hay fever) treated?
Several allergy medications can improve symptoms and help you live with hay fever. These treatments come in many forms, including liquids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays and injections. Talk to your provider before taking any medication, especially if you’re pregnant or have other health concerns. Your provider may suggest:

Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications are available with a prescription or over the counter. They work by blocking the histamine that your body releases during an allergic response. Antihistamines come as pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays and inhalers. They include:

Loratadine (Claritin®).
Cetirizine (Zyrtec®).
Fexofenadine (Allegra®).
Levocetirizine (Xyzal®).
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol when taking antihistamines, especially if you’re going to drive.

Decongestants: These medications relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses. You can take decongestants by mouth (in pill or liquid form) or use a nasal spray. They include:

Afrin® nasal spray.
Phenylephrine nasal spray (Neo-Synephrine®).
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®).

Decongestants can increase blood pressure and cause headaches, trouble sleeping and irritability. Nasal decongestants can be addictive if used longer than five days. Be sure to talk to your provider before taking them.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These sprays and inhalers reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of hay fever. The most common nasal sprays are Flonase®, Nasacort® and Rhinocort®. Side effects include headaches, nasal irritation, nosebleeds and cough.

Leukotriene inhibitors: During an allergic reaction, the body releases leukotriene, histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and hay fever symptoms. Available only with a prescription, these pills block leukotriene. The most common leukotriene inhibitor is montelukast (Singulair®). Some people experience changes in mood, vivid dreams, involuntary muscle movements and skin rash when taking this medication.

Immunotherapy: This treatment works by helping your body learn to tolerate allergens. Your provider gives you a series of injections (allergy shots) with a small amount of the allergen. Every time you get a shot, your provider increases the amount of the allergen. Over time, your immune system develops immunity to the allergen and stops launching a reaction to it.

Your provider might recommend immunotherapy in the form of a pill that you place under your tongue.

PREVENTION
Can I prevent hay fever?
There is no way to prevent hay fever, but lifestyle changes can help you live with allergies. You can relieve hay fever symptoms by avoiding irritants as much as possible. To reduce symptoms, you should:

Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes or nose.
Close windows in your home and car during the spring, summer and early fall when pollen counts are higher.
Enclose pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust mite covers.
Keep pets off couches and beds, and close doors to bedrooms you don’t want them to enter.
Use filters in your vacuum cleaner and air conditioner to reduce the amount of allergens in the air.
Wash your hands often, especially after playing with pets.
Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen when you’re outside. Change your clothes as soon as you come indoors.
OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS
What is the outlook for people who have hay fever?
Hay fever can make you feel miserable, but it doesn’t cause serious health problems. Most people with hay fever manage symptoms with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication.

People with airborne allergies have a higher risk of ear infections and sinus infections. Because hay fever can make it tough to get a good night’s sleep, you may feel tired during the day. If you have asthma, hay fever can make your asthma symptoms worse.

LIVING WITH
When should I see my healthcare provider about hay fever?
Although hay fever doesn’t cause any serious health problems, you should see your provider to rule out other conditions, such as asthma. Seek care if hay fever symptoms are getting in the way of your daily life or making it hard for you to sleep. Your provider can help you identify the allergens that are causing a reaction and recommend treatments to help you feel better.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Hay fever symptoms can affect your quality of life and keep you from doing the activities you love, but effective treatments are available. Millions of adults and children manage hay fever with medications and lifestyle changes. Talk to your provider about steps you can take to relieve symptoms, breathe easier and feel better.

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Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/30/2020.

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