Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, triggers cold-like signs and symptoms, like a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, coughing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, it is not caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to outside or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or even small flecks of saliva and skin drop by cats, dogs and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander).
Apart from making you unhappy, hay fever may affect your performance at work or college and normally interfere with your daily life. However, you don’t need to put up with bothersome symptoms. You may learn how to avoid triggers and discover the ideal therapy.
Symptoms
Hay fever signs and symptoms can include:
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
- Fatigue
Seasonal factors
Your hay fever signs and symptoms may start or worsen at a particular time of year. Triggers include:
- Tree pollen, which is common in early spring.
- Grass pollen, which is common in late spring and summer.
- Ragweed pollen, which is common in fall.
- Dust mites, cockroaches and dander from pets can occur year-round (perennial). Symptoms to indoor allergens might worsen in winter, when houses are closed up.
- Spoors from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds are considered both seasonal and perennial.
Hay fever or common cold?
Signs and symptoms can be similar, so it can be difficult to tell which one you have.
| Hay fever | Cold | |
|---|---|---|
| Signs and symptoms | Runny nose with thin, watery discharge; no fever | Runny nose with watery or thick yellow discharge; body aches; low-grade fever |
| Onset | Immediately after exposure to allergens | 1-3 days after exposure to a cold virus |
| Duration | As long as you’re exposed to allergens | 3-7 days
|
Causes
Whenever you have hay fever, then your immune system describes a benign airborne chemical as harmful. Your immune system creates antibodies for this benign substance. Next time you come in contact with this chemical, these antibodies indicate that your immune system to release chemicals like histamine in your blood vessels, which trigger a response that contributes to the signs and symptoms of hay fever.
Prevention
There’s no way to avoid getting hay fever. If you have hay fever, the best thing to do is to lessen your exposure to the allergens that cause your symptoms. Take allergy medications before you’re exposed to allergens, as directed by your doctor.
