Seasonal allergies result from exposure to airborne substances (such as pollens) that appear only during certain times of the year.
The term hay fever is somewhat misleading because symptoms do not occur only in the summer when hay is traditionally gathered and never include fever. Hay fever is usually a reaction to pollens and grasses. The pollens that cause hay fever vary by season:
Allergic conjunctivitis may result when airborne substances, such as pollens, contact the eyes directly.
SymptomsHay fever can make the nose, roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and eyes itch. Itching may start gradually or abruptly. The nose runs, producing a clear watery discharge, and may become stuffed up. In children, the stuffy nose may lead to an ear infection. The lining of the nose may become swollen and bluish red.
The sinuses may also become stuffed up, causing headaches and occasionally sinus infections (sinusitis). Sneezing is common.
The eyes may water, sometimes profusely, and itch. The whites of the eyes may become red, and the eyelids may become red and swollen. Wearing contact lenses can irritate the eyes further.
Other symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and irritability. A few people become depressed, lose their appetite, and have problems sleeping.
The severity of symptoms varies with the seasons.
Many people who have allergic rhinitis also have asthma (which results in wheezing), possibly caused by the same allergens that contribute to allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
DiagnosisThe diagnosis is based on symptoms plus the circumstances in which they occur—that is, whether they occur only during certain seasons. This information can also help doctors identify the allergen.
Typically, no testing is necessary, but occasionally, the nasal discharge is examined to see whether it contains eosinophils (a type of white blood cell produced in large numbers during an allergic reaction). Skin tests can help confirm the diagnosis and identify the allergen.
TreatmentNasal symptoms:A corticosteroid nasal spray is usually very effective and is used first. Most of these sprays have few side effects, although they can cause nosebleeds and a sore nose.
An antihistamine, taken by mouth or used as a nasal spray, can be used instead of or in addition to a corticosteroid nasal spray. Antihistamines are often used with a decongestant taken by mouth, such as pseudoephedrine
. Many antihistamine-decongestant combinations are available as a single tablet. However, people with high blood pressure should not take a decongestant unless a doctor recommends it and monitors its use.
Decongestants are also available over the counter as nose drops or sprays. They should not be used for more than a few days at a time because using them continually for a week or more may worsen or prolong nasal congestion—called a rebound effect—and may eventually result in chronic congestion.
Antihistamines may also have other side effects, particularly anticholinergic effects. They include sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty with urination, confusion, and light-headedness.
- Seasonal allergies cause itchy skin, a runny nose, watery and bloodshot eyes, and sneezing.
- Doctors can usually diagnose these allergies when typical symptoms (such as a runny, itchy nose and itchy eyes) develop during a particular season.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants help relieve symptoms.
The term hay fever is somewhat misleading because symptoms do not occur only in the summer when hay is traditionally gathered and never include fever. Hay fever is usually a reaction to pollens and grasses. The pollens that cause hay fever vary by season:
- Spring: Usually trees (such as oak, elm, maple, alder, birch, juniper, and olive)
- Summer: Grasses (such as Bermuda, timothy, sweet vernal, orchard, and Johnson grass) and weeds (such as Russian thistle and English plantain)
- Fall: Ragweed
Allergic conjunctivitis may result when airborne substances, such as pollens, contact the eyes directly.
SymptomsHay fever can make the nose, roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and eyes itch. Itching may start gradually or abruptly. The nose runs, producing a clear watery discharge, and may become stuffed up. In children, the stuffy nose may lead to an ear infection. The lining of the nose may become swollen and bluish red.
The sinuses may also become stuffed up, causing headaches and occasionally sinus infections (sinusitis). Sneezing is common.
The eyes may water, sometimes profusely, and itch. The whites of the eyes may become red, and the eyelids may become red and swollen. Wearing contact lenses can irritate the eyes further.
Other symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and irritability. A few people become depressed, lose their appetite, and have problems sleeping.
The severity of symptoms varies with the seasons.
Many people who have allergic rhinitis also have asthma (which results in wheezing), possibly caused by the same allergens that contribute to allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
DiagnosisThe diagnosis is based on symptoms plus the circumstances in which they occur—that is, whether they occur only during certain seasons. This information can also help doctors identify the allergen.
Typically, no testing is necessary, but occasionally, the nasal discharge is examined to see whether it contains eosinophils (a type of white blood cell produced in large numbers during an allergic reaction). Skin tests can help confirm the diagnosis and identify the allergen.
TreatmentNasal symptoms:A corticosteroid nasal spray is usually very effective and is used first. Most of these sprays have few side effects, although they can cause nosebleeds and a sore nose.
An antihistamine, taken by mouth or used as a nasal spray, can be used instead of or in addition to a corticosteroid nasal spray. Antihistamines are often used with a decongestant taken by mouth, such as pseudoephedrine
. Many antihistamine-decongestant combinations are available as a single tablet. However, people with high blood pressure should not take a decongestant unless a doctor recommends it and monitors its use.
Decongestants are also available over the counter as nose drops or sprays. They should not be used for more than a few days at a time because using them continually for a week or more may worsen or prolong nasal congestion—called a rebound effect—and may eventually result in chronic congestion.
Antihistamines may also have other side effects, particularly anticholinergic effects. They include sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty with urination, confusion, and light-headedness.