Here's a rundown of drug options that can help you survive the sneezing season: Nasal corticosteroids: These are typically sprayed or inhaled into the nose once or twice a day. The newer drugs in this category are Nasonex (mometasone furoate) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate). Side effects may include stinging in the nose. Oral antihistamines: These drugs, which are available in both OTC and prescription forms, counteract the action of histamine, a substance released in the body during an allergic reaction. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) are examples of OTC antihistamines. Drowsiness is a common side effect, so don't take the drug when you have to drive, operate machinery, or engage in other activities that require you to be alert. You could try newer and relatively non-sedating antihistamines that are available by prescription such as Clarinex (desloratadine), Claritin (loratadine), or Allegra (fexofenadine). Zyrtec (cetirizine), also available by prescription, has sedation frequency slightly higher than the relatively non-sedating antihistamines mentioned above. Last May, the FDA held a public hearing that discussed whether Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec should be moved from prescription to OTC status. The FDA has not made a final decision yet. Decongestants: Decongestants are available both by prescription and over-the-counter. These drugs come in oral and nasal spray forms, and are sometimes recommended in combination with antihistamines. Antihistamines alone do not have an effect on nasal congestion. Allegra D (fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine) is an example of a prescription drug that contains both an antihistamine (fexofenadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Note that prolonged use of nose sprays and drops can result in even worse nasal congestion. Non-steroidal nasal sprays: NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium) nasal spray which is available without a prescription, can help prevent symptoms of allergic rhinitis if used before symptoms start. It's a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and needs to be used more often than the nasal steroids, three to four times a day.

In 1819, an English physician, John Bostock, first described hay fever by detailing his own seasonal nasal symptoms, which he called "summer catarrh." The condition was called hay fever because it was thought to be caused by "new hay." Asthma - Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a narrowing of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include: Shortness of breath Wheezing Coughing Chest tightness Allergic Eyes. Allergic Eyes - (Allergic Conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the tissue layers (membranes) that cover the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. The inflammation occurs a result of an allergic reaction and may produce the following symptoms: Redness under the lids and of the eye overall Watery, itchy eyes Swelling of the membranes. Allergic Eczema - Allergic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen. This condition is commonly associated with allergic rhinitis or asthma and features the following symptoms: Itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin Rash on the face, especially children Rash around the eyes, in the elbow creases, and behind the knees, especially in adults. Hives - Hives (Urticaria) are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Hives can be caused by an allergic reaction, such as to a food or medication, but they also may occur in non-allergic people. Typical hive symptoms are: Raised red welts Intense itching Allergic Shock - Allergic Shock (Anaphylaxis or Anaphylactic Shock) is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect a number of organs at the same time. This response typically occurs when the allergen is eaten (for example, foods) or injected (for example, a bee sting). Some or all of the following symptoms may occur: Hives or reddish discoloration of the skin Nasal congestion Swelling of the throat Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting Shortness of breath, wheezing Low blood pressure or shock. Shock refers to the insufficient circulation of blood to the body's tissues. Shock is most commonly caused by blood loss or an infection. Allergic shock is caused by dilated and "leaky" blood vessels, which result in a drop in blood pressure.

Pollen grains from trees, grasses and weeds can float through the air in spring, summer or fall. But along with staying on mission to fertilize plants and tree flowers, pollen particles often end up in our noses, eyes, ears and mouths. The result can be sneezing spells, watery eyes, congestion and an itchy throat. Pollen allergy, commonly known as hay fever, affects about 1 out of 10 Americans, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). For some, symptoms can be controlled with occasional over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Others have reactions that may more seriously disrupt the quality of their lives. Allergies can trigger or worsen asthma and lead to other health problems such as sinusitis and ear infections in children. You can distinguish allergy symptoms from a cold because a cold tends to be short-lived, results in thicker nasal secretions, and is usually associated with sore throat, hoarseness, malaise, and fever. Many people with seasonal allergic rhinitis notice a seasonal pattern with their symptoms, but others may need a doctor's help to find out for sure that pollen is the source of their misery. If these symptoms crop up year-round, dust mites, pet dander or another indoor allergen could be the culprit. This is known as perennial allergic rhinitis. Once you know you have seasonal allergies, probably the most important step you can take is to avoid pollen as much as possible. Try to stay indoors when pollen levels are highest. In the fall ragweed pollen season, pollen levels are highest in the morning. During the grass pollen season in the spring and summer, pollen levels are highest in the evening. Pollen counts measure how much pollen is in the air and are expressed in grains of pollen per square meter of air collected during a 24-hour period. It may also help to keep windows closed in your house and car and to run the air conditioner. If possible, avoid mowing grass and other yard work.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and atopic eczema are among the most common causes of chronic ill health. There is also clear evidence that in the Western world these disorders are increasing in frequency. The development of allergic disease relates to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental differences. Since no significant genetic changes have occurred in the last 2 decades, we must assume that environmental factors are most likely responsible for this trend. The reunification of Germany offered tremendous insight into the impact of environmental changes on allergic conditions. These disorders were less common in East Germany than in West Germany before reunification, where as since that geopolitical change occurred, the prevalence of allergic problems (except asthma) has increased among children who spent their early childhood in East Germany. This interesting observation raises the possibility that somehow the Western lifestyle accounts for this change. Perhaps this Western lifestyle deprives the developing immune system sufficient exposure to infectious agents, to nurture "allergy protective" infection-fighting immune responses. A relatively clean environment and the use of antibiotics for minor illnesses in early life may sway the immune system towards "allergy promoting" responses instead. This describes the so-called "Hygiene Theory", which attempts to explain the rising incidence of allergic diseases. Other examples, which illustrate this, include: Lower incidence of allergy in those living on farms (or rural areas) due to more exposure to bacteria in barns. Lower incidence of allergy in younger children of large families (3 or more older siblings) due to repeated exposure to infection from older siblings. Lower incidence of asthma and wheezing in children who go to day care centers, where they are exposed to more infections.