Hay Fever—Allergy

Also called: Hypersensitivity

An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Pet dander
• Food
• Insect stings
• Medicines

Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body’s defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm. Genes and the environment probably both play a role.

Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling, or asthma. Allergies can range from minor to severe. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be life-threatening. Doctors use skin and blood tests to diagnose allergies. Treatments include medicines, allergy shots, and avoiding the substances that cause the reactions.

NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

• Allergic reactions (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Allergic rhinitis – self-care (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Allergies (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Allergies, asthma, and dust (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Allergies, asthma, and molds (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Allergy testing – skin (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Angioedema (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Antihistamines for allergies (Medical Encyclopedia)

Also called: Pollen allergy

Each spring, summer, and fall, trees, weeds, and grasses release tiny pollen grains into the air. Some of the pollen ends up in your nose and throat. This can trigger a type of allergy called hay fever.

Symptoms can include

• Sneezing, often with a runny or clogged nose
• Coughing and postnasal drip
• Itching eyes, nose and throat
• Red and watery eyes
• Dark circles under the eyes

Your health care provider may diagnose hay fever based on a physical exam and your symptoms. Sometimes skin or blood tests are used. Taking medicines and using nasal sprays can relieve symptoms. You can also rinse out your nose, but be sure to use distilled or sterilized water with saline. Allergy shots can help make you less sensitive to pollen and provide long-term relief.

NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

• Allergic rhinitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Allergic rhinitis – self-care (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Allergies, asthma, and pollen (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Allergy testing – skin (Medical Encyclopedia)