What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like signs and symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and sneezing, and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens. Besides making you miserable, hay fever can affect your performance at work or school and generally interfere with your life. But you don't have to put up with annoying symptoms. You can learn to avoid triggers and find the right treatment.
Hay fever signs and symptoms can include:
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itchy nose, the roof of mouth, or throat
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
- Fatigue
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- You can't find relief from your hay fever symptoms
- Allergy medications don't provide relief or cause annoying side effects
- You have another condition that can worsen hay fever symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-
20373039
