Hay fever
What is hay fever?
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air.
Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes.
You don’t have to be exposed to hay to have symptoms. Contrary to what the name suggests, you don’t have to have a fever to have hay fever!
Causes?
When you have an allergic reaction, your body overreacts to something it perceives as a threat.
With hay fever, the allergen is pollen. Your immune system responds as if it were being attacked by a virus. Your immune system will release a number of chemicals designed to prevent the spread of what it wrongly perceives as an infection. These chemicals cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction, such as watering eyes and a runny nose.
Symptoms:
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runny nose
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nasal congestion
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sneezing
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watery, red, or itchy eyes
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coughing
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itchy throat or roof of the mouth
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postnasal drip
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itchy nose
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sinus pressure and pain
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itchy skin
Pollen allergy or something else?
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Seasonal: Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can occur in spring, summer and early fall. They are usually caused by allergic sensitivity to airborne mold spores or to pollens from grass, trees, and weeds.
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Perennial: People with perennial allergic rhinitis (not hay fever) experience symptoms year-round. It is generally caused by dust mites, pet hair or dander, cockroaches or mold. Underlying or hidden food allergies rarely cause perennial nasal symptoms.
Risk factors
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing hay fever. They include:
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having asthma or another allergic condition, such as eczema
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have a family history of hay fever
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being exposed to tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust particles during early childhood
Research suggests that pollution, such as cigarette smoke or car exhaust fumes, can make allergies worse.
