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Hay fever: what is it?
Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis. It is usually a seasonal condition and is aggravated by some pollens and grass seeds.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, an itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy palate (roof of the mouth). Some people have both nasal and eye symptoms, while others will have mainly one or the other. If nasal symptoms are controlled, this will often help the eye symptoms.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice for hay fever if:- you have a shortness of breath, a cough, or wheezing that could be asthma;
- you have swollen glands and/or a persistent headache, which could suggest infection;
- you have a yellow discharge or pus from your eyes or nose;
- only one side of your nose or eye is affected; or
- your ears or sinuses (around the cheekbones) are painful.
Last Reviewed: 06 June 2002
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Related Topics
Allergic rhinitis, hay fever and sinusitis
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