Consumer Reports Health - Ear, nose and throat- Allergy resource center

If you or someone you know is suffering from hay fever and allergic symptoms, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Consumer Reports Health can help with the best research about seasonal allergies, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points for people with hay fever

•	If you have hay fever, you're probably allergic to pollen.
•	The good news is that hay fever may go away as you get older.
•	Treatments can help get your hay fever under control.

Allergy symptoms & triggers			Allergy medicines


Is it just an allergy? Allergy triggers and symptoms: Keys to diagnosis Pets may lower allergy risk			Take allergy drug and sniff flowers safely? How to choose an allergy drug CRBestBuyDrugs Antihistamine Report

Quiz: How drug-sensitive are you?

If you answer YES to any of these questions, discuss your reactions to medication with your doctor before starting any prescription. Often, starting with a low dosage and slowly adjusting is the optimal approach:

__ Are you very sensitive to alcohol?
__

Have you felt tired or sleepy after taking antihistamines, tranquilizers, or cold remedies?

Have you had trouble sleeping after taking the above, or substances containing caffeine?

Have you had a reaction to epinephrine (pain-numbing medication often used by dentists)?

Have you had side effects from medication such as blurred vision, headaches, indigestion, palpitations, rashes, or ringing in the ears?

	Allergy reports Treatments for hay fever Questions to ask your doctor Cetirizine [Zyrtec] Fexofenadine [Allegra] Loratadine [Alavert, Claritin] Antihistamines for eczema Antihistamines and pseudoephedrine Log in here to access in-depth information on allergy treatments, medications, and other health conditions. Not a subscriber? Join now!