Overview
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. These may include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful (allergen).
Common allergens that can trigger hay fever symptoms include pollen and dust mites. Tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander) also can be allergens.
Besides making you miserable, hay fever can affect how well you perform at work or school and can generally interfere with your life. But you don’t have to put up with annoying symptoms. You can learn to avoid triggers and find the right treatment.
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Symptoms
Hay fever symptoms can include:
- Runny nose and nasal stuffiness (congestion)
- Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
- Mucus that runs down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
- Swollen, bruised-appearing skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue), often due to poor sleep
Hay fever triggers
Your hay fever signs and symptoms may occur year-round or may start or worsen at a particular time of year (seasonal).
Hay fever 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 and cockroach droppings, which are present year-round
- Dander from pets, which can be bothersome year-round but might cause worse symptoms in winter, when houses are closed up
- Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds, which can be both seasonal and year-round
Hay fever or common cold?
Symptoms can be similar, so it can be difficult to tell which one you have.
| Condition | Symptoms | Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hay fever | Runny nose with thin, watery discharge; no fever | Immediately after exposure to allergens | As long as you’re exposed to allergens |
| Common cold | Runny nose with watery or thick yellow discharge; body aches; low-grade fever | 1 to 3 days after exposure to a cold virus | 3 to 7 days |
When to see a doctor
See your health care provider if:
- You can’t find relief from your hay fever symptoms
- Allergy medications don’t provide relief or cause annoying side effects
- You have another condition that can worsen hay fever symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections
Many people — especially children — get used to hay fever symptoms, so they might not seek treatment until the symptoms become severe. But getting the right treatment might offer relief.
