Topic Overview

Hay fever symptoms include itchy, watering eyes; sneezing; runny, stuffy, or itchy nose; headache; and fatigue. The following home treatment measures may help relieve your symptoms:

• Take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton, to reduce symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, or runny, itchy nose. Be sure to read and follow any warnings on the label. Don't give antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.
• Take a decongestant, such as Sudafed PE, to relieve a stuffy nose. Decongestants may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Before you use them, check the label. If you do use these medicines, always follow the directions about how much to use based on age and in some cases weight.
• Clean the inside of the nose with salt water to clear a stuffy nose.
• Use a vaporizer or humidifier in the bedroom and take hot showers to help clear a stuffy nose.
• If your nose is red and raw from rubbing, put petroleum jelly on the sore area.
• Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to help relieve pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.