If a comedian were to write a joke about hay fever, it might go something like this: “What’s the deal with hay fever? When Dr. John Bostock discovered it in 1819, it had nothing to do with hay, nor was it a fever!”

While true, hay fever is no laughing matter for the more than 15 million Americans currently affected by the commonly described “epidemic of the 21st century.” Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an inflammation of the nose’s mucous membrane caused by allergens. 

For some, hay fever strikes on a seasonal basis while others suffer from its unpleasant effects throughout the year. Typical symptoms depend on sensitivity to allergens, which are the substances that trigger an allergic reaction. In addition, family history and genetics can play a part in how one becomes sensitive to allergens. Infants, adolescents, and young adults have the unfortunate distinction of being especially vulnerable to the symptoms of hay fever.

As previously mentioned, hay fever is an allergic response to allergens. The body’s immune system believes that these allergens are harmful and releases a chemical called histamine that produces hay fever’s symptoms.

Since some of hay fever’s allergens are prevalent during a specific season like spring, summer, or fall, many suffer from it on a seasonal basis.

• Spring and summertime brings on the rebirth of trees, grass, and flowers, and it is their pollen that can trigger hay fever symptoms. During the springtime, trees release pollen and spread it through the air, while weed and grass pollen causes allergies in the summer.

• The humid climates and rain common of certain seasons create conditions ripe for the growth of mold, which also causes allergies. Mold frequently accumulates in damp basements, window moldings, shower curtains, rotting logs, leaf litter, and compost piles.

Hay fever can also affect a person regardless of the season. Known as perennial allergic rhinitis, these reactions are trigged by allergens not necessarily related to a specific season like dust and animal dander.

• The skin, urine, and saliva of furry pets like dogs or cats contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions. These proteins mix with dust and may take up to four weeks to fully die down.

• Other more unwelcome creatures can also create havoc. Cockroach feces and dust mites both create conditions ripe for hay fever sufferers. Dust mites are especially tricky to avoid since they are tiny creatures that live in carpets, bedding, furniture, and mattresses.

While hay fever and the common cold may seem similar and share some symptoms, they are not the same. Unlike a cold or flu, hay fever is not characterized by fever-related symptoms despite its name. Hay fever also lasts up to several weeks longer than a typical cold, which usually only lasts around one week.

The physical symptoms also differ. The nasal discharge of a cold or flu is thick as opposed to thin and watery with hay fever. Hay fever also causes violent bouts of sneezing and itching of the skin, throat, mouth, eyes, and nose, which is not as frequent or pronounced with a cold or flu. Keeping a close watch on your symptoms and getting informed about the unique symptoms of hay fever may help you clearly distinguish whether you have hay fever or a cold.

The symptoms of hay fever manifest themselves in various forms that include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, congestion, watery eyes, and itchiness of the nose, throat, eyes, and roof of mouth.

For children who are exposed to allergens, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract may occur and cause nasal blockage. This blockage can grow worse as the child’s nasal tissue grows with age, leading to breathing through the mouth, snoring, and sleep-related disorders like sleepwalking, bedwetting, and daytime sleep. The lack of sleep may also cause poor concentration at school and irritability in younger sufferers.

When symptoms begin to disrupt your daily life, it is time to call the doctor. If you call a physician about symptoms related to hay fever, it is common to receive a referral to an allergist who specifically deals with the treatment of allergy-associated problems.

Before your visit, it is advised that you write down all the questions you want to ask the doctor along with all the symptoms of the allergy, any triggers encountered, and any initial medications you took. It is especially helpful to take a family member or friend to assist you in remembering details you want to share with the doctor.

There is some basic information that you can share with a doctor to help them determine the most effective treatment for your symptoms.

First, find out if your family is prone to allergies. Make sure to indicate when your symptoms initially appeared, whether they were occasional or continuous, their overall severity, and any specific conditions that have improved or worsened the symptoms. Other helpful information to have includes whether you suffer from headaches, have frequent bouts of coughing or wheezing, lost the sense of taste or smell, have trouble sleeping, and if you snore.

Depending on your symptoms, an allergist or doctor may prescribe one or more medications to treat hay fever.

For example, antihistamines help to reduce itchiness, sneezing, and runny nose, and a decongestant can help reduce a stuffy nose. Nasal sprays that include cromolyn sodium or a corticosteroid help to prevent and control allergic reactions. Eye drops may be suggested to treat itchy eyes, and steroid pills can help treat severe allergic reactions.

Allergy shots may also be given at regular intervals. These contain a small amount of allergens to gradually allow the body to get used to them. Through general exposure to these allergens, the body no longer develops allergic reactions. It is important to remember that all medications should be taken only after consulting a doctor.

It is the little things that ultimately make the biggest difference. The first step in treatment is to avoid the trigger factors associated with hay fever. For example:

• Since the pollen count is more prevalent in the atmosphere during evenings, try to stay indoors at that time.

• Keep windows shut to keep pollen dust from coming in, and try to stay in an air-conditioned room.

• When outdoors, make sure to wear protective sunglasses that prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.

• Wash your hair and bathe before going to bed. This gets rid of the pollen dust that might be on your hair and body.

• Clean the damp areas of your bathroom and kitchen with a mixture of water and bleach to kill mold.

• If you are severely affected by pet dander, keep your pet outdoors. It also helps to bathe your pet frequently, have an air filter inside your home, and ask a veterinarian for advice on controlling your particular pet’s dander.

• To get rid of dust mites, vacuum your furniture, carpets, and floors regularly – also, try to wash curtains and all bedding once a week.

Do Not Let Hay Fever Interfere With Your Life

The symptoms of hay fever can reduce the quality of all aspects of your life. Try to avoid the triggers that cause the allergic reactions associated with hay fever. If allergic reactions interfere with your daily routine, see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear, and provide them with as much information about your condition as possible. This can help the doctor prescribe the proper medications to help you reclaim your life.