Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Answers about allergic rhinitis

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis (also called “hay fever”) happens when you breathe in something you are allergic to, and the inside of your nose becomes inflammed or swollen. Allergic rhinitis affects 40 million people in the United States.

What are the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Signs of allergic rhinitis are similar to signs of a common cold. But, unlike common cold symptoms, allergic rhinitis can last for more than 8-10 days and may include:

• A stuffy nose or a runny nose.
• Sneezing.
• Itchy nose, itchy eyes or watery eyes.
• Children who have alllergic rhinitis might have dark circles under their eyes, or use the palm of their hand to push their nose up as they try to stop the itching (called the “allergic salute”).
• Coughing caused by clear mucus running down the back of your throat.

• If you have symptoms in spring, you are probably allergic to tree pollens.
• If you have symptoms in the summer, you are probably allergic to grass and weed pollens.
• If you have symptoms in late summer and fall, you probably are allergic to ragweed.
• Dust mites, molds and animal dander (saliva or skin flakes) cause symptoms all year.

• Although it’s best not to have pets when you have allergic rhinitis, washing your furry pet once a week and keeping it out of the bedroom and off the furniture will help.
• Put pillows, boxsprings and mattresses in sealed plastic covers that keep out dust mites, and wash sheets in hot water every week. Washing machines at the Laundromat will have hot enough water to kill the dust mites.
• Keep windows closed. If possible, get an air conditioner and run a dehumidifier, so that there will not be so many pollens and molds in the house.

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