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

QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
10 Worst Cities for Spring Allergies With Pictures
See pictures of the top 10 "spring allergy capitals", according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). From...
-
Allergies Quiz: Symptoms & Home Remedies
What are the causes of allergies? This online quiz challenges your knowledge of common food and household allergens,...
-
Allergies: Common Plants and Trees That Trigger Allergies
Find out more about which plants and trees might be producing pollen that is causing your itchy eyes and a runny nose.
-
Allergies: Myths and Facts About Seasonal Allergies
Do deserts prevent allergies? What can allergies do to your body? What is an allergen? Adult allergies can pop up unexpectedly,...
-
Could I Be Allergic? Discover Your Allergy Triggers
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system where the body's defenses react to substances such as pollen, food and more....
-
Nasal Allergy Attack: Causes, Triggers, Treatments
Nasal allergies are a common problem that affects millions of people. An allergist can recommend the best allergy nasal sprays...
Examples of Medications for Hay Fever Symptoms and Signs
From 
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Allergy and Asthma Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.