What is Hay Fever?

What is Hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis (ri-ni-tis), is an immune system reaction to a

foreign substance inside the head’s sinuses. Nearly everyone complains of an itchy, stuffy, and

running nose. This is the body’s attempt to trap the potential invader in mucus in order to

sneeze, cough, or swallow it (Harvard Health).

Hay fever typically occurs during spring and summer when most plants grow and spread pollen. It received its name after physicians observed people who worked around hay got runny noses, sneezes, mild fevers, and coughs. However, people can have allergic rhinitis as a result of any material the body thinks is foreign (allergen), typically these are proteins. The body then releases histamine and other substances in order to cause allergic reactions (Hopkins Medicine).

Hay fever affects 40 – 60 million Americans and 1 in 5 people in the United Kingdom (UK). Anyone can develop Hay fever at any age (cdc.gov).

The most common causes of rhinitis are:

• Pollen given off by trees, grass, and weeds
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Cockroach waste
• Animal dander
• Fumes and odors
• Temperature
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medicines and overuse of topical nose sprays
• Smoke
• Certain foods or spices (e.g. eggs, dairy products, peanuts)

How is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed?

A clinician will ask an in-depth line of questioning in order to obtain a thorough medical

history, followed by a physical exam. Allergic rhinitis is a diagnosis of exclusion, which

means it does not require medical testing. If medical testing is needed it may involve

blood work or an allergy scratch test. An allergy scratch test is a test where a physician

will use a tool to apply different types of allergens to the skin in order to observe the

body’s reaction to them (Hopkins Medicine).

Physical Signs of Allergic Rhinitis:

• Excessive mucus in the nose
• Dark skin under the eyes
• Red-colored eyes
• A cobblestone appearance to the lining of the nose and throat
• Swollen nasal passages
• Paleness of the nasal passages

Allergies can affect anyone of any background. It is important to see your physician for a diagnosis and to assure it is nothing else. Another time to see your physician would be if over-the-counter (OTC) medication is not working or if the symptoms are affecting your quality of life.