Allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is the most common form of allergy. Symptoms often vary with the seasons and include:-

• Stuffy, runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose, eyes, and throat
• "Sinus" symptoms - headache, feeling of pressure behind the eye, pain above the cheekbones and on the lower forehead, aching teeth
• Skin rashes or hives
• Diarrhea or frequent urination.

What Causes It?
Your body's immune system is overreacting to irritants in the environment, such as the following:-

• Pollens, grasses, or ragweed (in certain seasons and areas)
• Dust and household mites
• Changes in temperature or humidity
• Spicy foods
• Smoking or prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke.

Treatment
Your health care provider will examine your nose and nasal secretions. You may be referred to an allergist, a physician who can pinpoint what you are allergic to by performing skin or blood tests. Depending on the cause of your allergies, you may need to do any or all of the following:-

• Cover pillows and mattresses with plastic covers
• Use synthetic materials (acrylic) instead of animal products (wool)
• Minimize dust-collecting household items (e.g. carpets)
• Use air purifiers or dust filters
• Desensitization therapy - repeated injections of gradually increasing amounts of the identified allergen.

Allergic rhinitis may be successfully treated with alternative therapies, beginning with dietary changes. Use the tincture and homeopathic remedies for acute allergic reactions.

Physical Medicine
Use a nasal rinse made with water and salt to taste like tears. Rinse each nostril and, with your head over a sink, hold your head sideways and let the water run from your upper nostril to your lower nostril. Keep your nostrils lower than your throat to prevent the salt water from draining into the back of your throat. This rinse shrinks your sinus membranes and increases drainage.