Which treatment is inappropriate for hay fever?

In the context of treating hay fever, applying ice is inappropriate because hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, results from nasal congestion, sneezing, and other symptoms caused by exposure to allergens. The primary goal in managing hay fever is to alleviate these symptoms effectively.

Antihistamines, for example, work by blocking histamine receptors and are commonly used to reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose associated with allergies. Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, which alleviates the feeling of stuffiness. Inhaled steroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and can be very effective in chronic cases of hay fever.

Applying ice may provide temporary relief for localized swelling or irritation, but it does not address the underlying allergic reaction causing hay fever symptoms. Therefore, it is not a recognized or effective treatment for this condition.