Hayfever symptoms

Symptoms that occur after you come into contact with the substance you are allergic to may include:

  • Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area.
  • Problems with smell.
  • Runny nose.
  • Sneezing.
  • Tearing eyes.
  • Coughing.
  • Clogged ears and decreased sense of smell.
  • Sore throat.
  • Dark circles under the eyes.
  • Puffiness under the eyes.
  • Fatigue and irritability.
  • Headache.

Hayfever

Hayfever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis as it is known medically, is an allergic reaction to pollen and spores, the microscopic grains that plants, trees, grasses or fungi use for fertilisation. In spring, plantlife comes into bloom and many forms of trees, grasses, fungi and flowers release pollen and spores in order to reproduce.

A similar reaction occurs with allergy to mold, animal dander, dust, and other allergens that you breathe in. The pollens that cause hay fever vary from person to person and from area to area. Tiny, hard-to-see pollens often cause hay fever. Examples of plants that cause hay fever include:

  • Trees
  • Grasses
  • Ragweed

The amount of pollen in the air can affect whether hay fever symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have increased amounts of pollen in the air. On cool, damp, rainy days most pollen is washed to the ground. Some disorders may be linked to allergies. These include eczema and asthma. Allergies are common. Your genes and environment may make you more likely to get allergies. Allergies often run in families. If both your parents have allergies, you are likely to have allergies too. The chance is greater if your mother has allergies.