Are You Sick?

Hay Fever (Nose Allergy)

Triggers of Hay Fever (Nasal Allergies)

  • Cause. An allergic reaction of the nose and sinuses to an inhaled substance. The medical name for this is allergic rhinitis. The allergic substance is called an allergen.
  • Most allergens float in the air. That's how they get in the nose. Here are the common ones:
  • Pollens. Trees, grass, weeds and molds are the most common pollens. Tree pollens come in the spring. Grass pollens come in the summer. Weed pollens come in the fall. Pollens cause seasonal allergies. You can't avoid pollens because they are in the air. Most nasal allergies continue through the pollen season. They can last 4 to 8 weeks. Pollens cause seasonal nose allergies. This is also called hay fever.
  • Pets. Allergens can also be from cats, dogs, horses, rabbits and other animals. Most people don't keep a pet that they are allergic to. They only have allergy symptoms when they are exposed to that specific animal. These symptoms will usually last a few hours. If someone with a cat visits you, they will bring cat dander with them. This will cause brief symptoms. If you own the pet, though, you will have symptoms all the time.
  • House Dust contains many allergens and also dust mites. If your humidity is high, it will contain mold. House dust causes year round, daily symptoms. 

Symptoms of Hay Fever

  • Clear nasal discharge with sneezing, sniffing, and itching of nose (100%)
  • Eye allergies (itchy, red, watery and puffy) also can occur (70%)
  • Ear and sinus congestion or fullness can occur
  • Throat can feel scratchy or have a tickly feeling at times
  • Itchy ear canals, itchy skin or hoarse voice sometimes also occur
  • Symptoms happen during pollen season
  • Same symptoms during the same month of the last year
  • Past diagnosis by a doctor is helpful
  • No fever

How to Tell Seasonal Nasal Allergies from the Common Cold

  • Symptoms happen during pollen season
  • Had the same symptoms during the same month last year
  • Hay fever symptoms last 6-8 weeks for each pollen. Colds last 1-3 weeks.
  • Allergies: itchy eyes and nose. Not seen with colds.
  • Colds: fever and/or sore throat. Not seen with allergies
  • Both: runny nose and watery eyes. Can also have a cough with both, but less common with allergies.