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With seasonal allergies, urticaria (hives), and their treatment emerging as a topic of discussion in this year\u2019s presidential campaign, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) offers the following information.<\/p>\n
Seasonal Allergy Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n In 2021, approximately 81 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with\u00a0seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)<\/a>. This equals around 26% (67 million) of adults and 19% (14 million) of children.<\/p>\n Seasonal allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. This type of rhinitis occurs mainly when pollen from trees (spring), grasses (summer), and weeds (fall) are in the air.<\/p>\n Seasonal Allergy Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n Rhinitis symptoms include:<\/p>\n Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and outside of the eyeball becomes inflamed. With eye allergies, you usually see redness and itching in both eyes, instead of in just one eye.<\/p>\n The common signs and symptoms of eye allergies are:<\/p>\n While these allergy symptoms may cause irritation and discomfort, they can be controlled.<\/p>\n Seasonal Allergy Treatments<\/strong><\/p>\n Managing seasonal allergy symptoms may include over-the-counter medicines, many of which are non-drowsy. Some examples include:<\/p>\n Nasal rinse:<\/strong>\u00a0Using a saline (saltwater) nose rinse can help cut down mucus and rinse allergens out of your nose. Remember to use these as directed.<\/p>\n Nose sprays:<\/strong>\u00a0Corticosteroid nose sprays are effective and have few side effects. They treat the swelling and inflammation in your nose. Examples include Nasacort\u00ae, FLONASE\u00ae, and RHINOCORT\u00ae. Antihistamine nasal sprays such as Astelin and Patanase are also effective options.<\/p>\n Eye drops:<\/strong>\u00a0Allergy eye drops can be very helpful in managing eye allergy symptoms. They can relieve burning sensation, itchiness, redness, increased tearing, and swelling. Common eye drops include SYSTANE\u00ae ZADITOR\u00ae, Optivar, and Pataday\u00ae. In addition, artificial tears can be helpful.<\/p>\n Antihistamines:<\/strong>\u00a0Antihistamines come in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form. They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce a runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal stuffiness. Look for a long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine. Examples include ZYRTEC\u00ae, Claritin\u00ae, Allegra\u00ae, CLARINEX\u00ae.<\/p>\n Decongestants<\/strong>: Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or drops. They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve stuffiness. They generally are only used for a short time (usually three days or less). Examples include SUDAFED\u00ae, Vicks Sinex\u2122, Afrin\u00ae. Check with your doctor before using decongestants if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, or trouble urinating.<\/p>\n Immunotherapy: <\/strong>Many people with allergies do not get complete relief from medicines. They may be candidates for immunotherapy.\u00a0Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment<\/a>\u00a0that can help prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions and change the course of allergic disease by modifying the body\u2019s immune response to allergens.<\/p>\n Urticaria Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n The medical name for hives is urticaria. Hives are a common sign of an allergic reaction but can also be caused by viral infections, environmental triggers, insect bites, or unknown (idiopathic) causes.<\/p>\n According to a 2019 study<\/a> published in the journal Allergy<\/em>, chronic (long-term) urticaria affects about 1% of the global population.<\/p>\n Chronic urticaria is not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable.<\/p>\n Urticaria Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n Hives are raised bumps, called welts or wheals, on the skin. Hives can be small or large and can occur anywhere on the body. Hives are itchy. They can occur with swelling.<\/p>\n Urticaria Treatments<\/strong><\/p>\n Antihistamines (non-drowsy preferred) are one treatment for urticaria. Anti-itch medicines may also offer symptom relief. Cold compresses may also provide relief.<\/p>\n In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce the severity of symptoms.<\/p>\n For people with chronic urticaria that doesn\u2019t improve on antihistamines, there is a non-steroidal treatment available called omalizumab (Xolair\u00ae).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n AAFA is happy to provide additional information on seasonal allergies, urticaria, and their treatment.<\/p>\n\n
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