Hay Fever

Hay fever is the common term for allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis. Hay fever can affect up to 30% of all children in the United States. Symptoms can include runny and itchy nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and red eyes, sneezing, and coughing.

Even though we usually think that hay fever is caused by things like hay, actually, things both inside and outside the home can cause hay fever. The most common indoor allergens are dust mites, cockroaches, and animal (dogs, cats, etc.) dander. The most common outdoor ones are pollens from grasses, trees, and weeds.

Over-the-counter anti-histamines can be quite effective in treating symptoms, but they do not do anything to treat the underlying source of allergies, and they come with many side effects. While most people who have hay fever aren’t sick enough to miss work or school, many of them can suffer from “presenteeism”, where their allergies, the lack of restful sleep they get, or the over-the-counter medicines they take, can prevent them from performing at their best.

Here are some very good resources on hay fever from “UpToDate”:

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic conjunctivitis

Patient Handouts on Environmental Allergies:

• Outdoor Allergies - Tips to Remember
• Indoor Allergies - Tips to Remember