Hay fever is a term that describes a seasonal allergic reaction to airborne particles such as pollen. The medical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis. Hay fever is a common condition that affects up to 30% of the population.
Signs and symptoms of hay fever include a
- runny nose with clear mucus,
- nasal congestion,
- itchy eyes,
- watery eyes, and
- sneezing.
Other associated symptoms and signs can include
- earache,
- loss of sense of smell,
- post-nasal drip,
- puffy eyes,
- eye redness,
- breathing through the mouth or wheezing,
- coughing,
- fatigue,
- headache, or
- throat irritation.
Loss of the sense of taste also may be present.
Cause of hay fever
Hay does not actually cause hay fever, and hay fever does not produce a fever, so the term is a misnomer.
Other hay fever symptoms and signs
- Breathing Through the Mouth or Wheezing
- Coughing
- Earache
- Eye Redness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Itchy Eyes
- Loss of Sense of Smell
- Loss of the Sense of Taste
- Nasal Congestion
- Post-Nasal Drip
- Puffy Eyes
- Runny Nose with Clear Mucus
- Sneezing
- Throat Irritation
- Watery Eyes
Main Article on Hay Fever Symptoms and Signs

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Examples of Medications for Hay Fever Symptoms and Signs
- azelastine (Astelin, Astepro)
- Brompheniramine/Dextromethorphan/Pseudoephedrine
- cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec Hives)
- chamomile
- clemastine - oral, Tavist
- diphenhydramine
- fexofenadine (Allegra, Mucinex Allergy)
- loratadine, Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, Claritin Hives Relief, Children's Claritin
- naphazoline
- quercetin
- quinine
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