Hay fever

Hay fever is a seasonal allergic reaction of the nose, eyes and throat to airborne plant pollen, and it is a form of allergic rhinitis. It is a common allergy that often runs in families, and the plants responsible vary between individuals and areas. Wind-carried pollen from trees, grasses and ragweed triggers the reaction, with more pollen in the air on hot, dry, windy days. Typical features are sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy red watery eyes, an itchy throat, cough, headache and tiredness, sometimes with a reduced sense of smell. Clinicians usually diagnose it from the symptoms and a physical examination, while skin tests or blood tests can identify the trigger. Hay fever cannot be cured; management centres on reducing pollen exposure, antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestants for stuffiness, and allergen immunotherapy when other treatments fail.

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms that come on suddenly, for difficulty breathing, or for drowsiness or confusion. See a doctor when symptoms persist, keep coming back, or affect daily life. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.