Hay fever is also known as allergic rhinitis. Its symptoms include conditions like runny or severely congested nose, sneezing, watery eyes, congested chest and pressure in the sinus. Health problems like asthma, eczema, sinusitis and middle ear infections sometimes accompany hay fever. For some people, symptoms of hay fever spikes during the spring, summer and fall seasons, while others have it all the year round. The severity of the symptoms also varies from person to person. For some people, the symptoms may be just irritating whereas for others, it can be debilitating.

Hay fever occurs when the body is exposed to something that triggers an allergic response. Usually, it is caused by particles like pollen, fungal spores, dander etc. Sometimes when the body is exposed to airborne particles, the immune system mistakenly identifies these particles as dangerous and triggers an allergic response. It increases the production of an antibody called Immunoglobin E, which in turn increases the release of histamines into the blood stream, causing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Antihistamines, nasal or oral corticosteroids, decongestants, nasal atropine, cromolyn sodium and so on, can treat hay fever. Your doctor will be able to determine the most suitable mode of treatment.