How can I get rid of this hay fever!?

Bit long, but hope it helps....

The goal of rhinitis treatment is to reduce the symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues. In cases of allergic rhinitis, the most effective way to decrease allergic symptoms is to completely avoid the allergen. Vasomotor rhinitis can be brought under a measure of control through avoidance of irritants, though many irritants, such as weather changes, are uncontrollable.

Allergic rhinitis can typically be treated much like any other allergic condition.

Eliminating exposure to allergens is the most effective preventive measure, but requires consistent effort.

Many people with pollen allergies reduce their exposure by remaining indoors during hay fever season, particularly in the morning and evening, when outdoor pollen levels are at their highest. Closing all the windows and doors prevents wind-borne pollen from entering the home or office. When traveling in a vehicle, closing all the windows reduces exposure. Air conditioners are reasonably effective filters, and special pollen filters can be fitted to both home and vehicle air conditioning systems.

Because many allergens cling to clothing, skin, and hair, regular cleaning reduces exposure and therefore symptoms. Many people bathe before sleeping, to minimize their exposure to potential allergins that could have stuck to their bodies during the day. Some people use nasal irrigation to physically remove contaminants from their noses.

Frequently cleaning floors and washing bedding can significantly reduce local irritants such as dust, as well as those tracked in by family, pets and visitors.

Several antagonistic drugs are used to block the action of allergic mediators, or to prevent activation of cells and degranulation processes. These include antihistamines, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, epinephrine (adrenaline), theophylline and cromolyn sodium. Anti-leukotrienes, such as Montelukast (Singulair) or Zafirlukast (Accolate), are FDA approved for treatment of allergic diseases. One antihistamine, Azelastine (Astelin), is available as a nasal spray.

More severe cases of allergic rhinitis require immunotherapy (allergy shots) or removal of tissue in the nose (e.g., nasal polyps) or sinuses.

Many allergy medications can have unpleasant side-effects, most notably drowsiness; more serious side-effects such as asthma, sinusitis, and even nasal polyps have also been reported however.

A case-control study found "symptomatic allergic rhinitis and rhinitis medication use are associated with a significantly increased risk of unexpectedly dropping a grade in summer examinations".

Systemic Glucocorticoids such as Triamcinolone or Prednisone are effective at reducing nasal inflammation, but their use is limited by their short duration of effect and the side effects of prolonged steroid therapy. Steroid nasal sprays are effective and safe, and may be effective without oral antihistamines. These medications include, in order of potency: beclomethasone (Beconase), budesonide (Rhinocort, Noex), flunisolide (Syntaris), mometasone (Nasonex), fluticasone (Flonase, Flixonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ). They take several days to act and so need be taken continually for several weeks as their therapeutic effect builds up with time.

Topical decongestants: may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, but should not be used for long periods as stopping them after protracted use can lead to a rebound nasal congestion (Rhinitis medicamentosa).

Saltwater sprays, rinses or steam: this removes dust, secretions and allergenic molecules from the mucosa, as they are all instant water soluble. A suitable solution is 2-3 spoonful of salt dissolved in one litre of lukewarm water.

A large number of over-the-counter treatments are sold, including herbs like eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), nettle (Urtica dioica), and bayberry (Myrica cerifera), which have not been shown to reduce the symptoms of nasal-pharynx congestion. In addition, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been shown to inhibit phospholipase A2, the enzyme which releases the inflammatory precursor arachidonic acid from the bi-layer membrane of mast cells (the main cells which respond to respiratory allergens and lead to inflammation) but this is only in test tubes and it is not established as anti-inflammatory in humans.

Twelve years of suffering is enough. You should visit an Allergy clinic and undergo sufficient testing to determine exactly what you are allergic to. Once the cause(s) has been determined they will either put you on a standard medication treatment or develop a vaccine that will assist you during the difficult months. I have a neighbor who went the vaccine route a number of years ago and after years of suffering couldn't be happier with the results. If you don't know where to start might I suggest a visit to your family/primary physician for some advice and recommendations. If you currently have health insurance you should explore your policy to see if it will cover your situation. Until then you should look for over the counter medications that don't make you drowsy. If necessary, ask your druggist for help.