3. TAKE THE RIGHT DRUGS

Avoiding pollen completely isn't easy, but we don't want you to revert to a Howard Hughes-esque lifestyle. Your second line of defense is medication. The unpleasant symptoms of hay fever are the result of a chemical reaction in your body, mainly the release of histamine as a by-product of your immune system response, and researchers have come up with a variety of drugs to counteract these symptoms.

Get an allergist

Rather than loading up on over-the-counter sprays and pills, you should probably take the trouble to see an allergist. Your allergist can take into consideration your individual needs, and provide you with prescriptions for drugs less likely to cause drowsiness than over-the-counter remedies. To find an allergist near you, go to the directory at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Tell him or her as much as possible about the nature of your hay fever (what you react to, when you react, and what your symptoms are), and ask lots of questions about your options for treatment.

Antihistamine pills

These are a tricky set of drugs. Histamine is a natural substance that your brain needs to function properly, so antihistamines block this functioning. That's why over-the-counter boxes of antihistamines often read, "do use while operating heavy machinery." The stuff makes you completely loopy.

The latest generation of antihistamines has improved a lot. They are less likely to cause drowsiness and there is less of a risk of dangerous side effects. If there are no conflicts with other medications you happen to be taking (or with other medical conditions from which you may be suffering) your doctor will set you up with Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), or a similar antihistamine that will help you feel better.

Sprays and drops

Antihistamine pills won't do everything, so it's often a good idea to combine your drug regime with one or more of the following. As always, ask your allergist which ones are right for you.

  • Nasal decongestant spray. Available over the counter, these shrink the blood vessels in your nose and cut down on the production of nasty mucus. Antihistamines won't do this, so a decongestant spray is a common helper.

  • Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. A preventative. Snort this to block allergens and prevent the allergic reaction from happening in the first place. Allergens can still get to you through other orifices (always wear underwear), but this will help.

  • Topical nasal steroids (corticosteroids). No, these don't have anything in common with the drugs that make bodybuilders huge and pimply. Nasal steroids simply reduce the number of histamine-producing cells in the nose. Less histamine = less misery. Another accompaniment to antihistamine pills.

You might also consider a couple of home remedies for good measure, such as the ol' steam inhalation trick Grandma used (hanging your towel-covered head over the kettle). Some allergists recommend herbal cure-alls such as echinacea. Just keep in mind as you explore the foggy panorama of alternative medicine that "natural" does not mean non-toxic. Mix herbs with meds at your own peril, and check EVERYTHING over with your allergist.

But let's say you don't go for all that New Age stuff, the drug store has just repossessed your car, and you're still a miserable, sniveling, dripping invalid. Isn't there anything else you can do? Yes: read step 4 and get shots.