Updated June 10, 2014.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is the most common chronic disease, affecting up to 30 percent of the population. It is the most common reason for chronic sinus and nose problems. Children and young adults are the most common age groups affected by this disease, although many older adults and elderly people also experience symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis is defined as inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages due to seasonal and year-round allergens.

Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itching of the nose, and post nasal drip. Half of all people with allergic rhinitis also have a component of non-allergic rhinitis to their symptoms.

What puts someone at risk for developing hay fever?

Those at risk for the development of allergic rhinitis include people with a family history of atopy, those with atopic dermatitis, a mother who smoked during pregnancy, and living a modernized lifestyle (urban setting, higher socioeconomic status, small family size). The presence of pets, especially multiple dogs, in the home at the time of birth appears to protect against the development of allergic diseases such as hay fever.
The above phenomenon is explained by the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests that since we live in a cleaner environment, our immune systems do not need to fight as many infections as in the past. We don't grow up on farms around animals, we don't play in the dirt, we receive vaccines to protect against infections, and we receive antibiotics when we do have infections.

As a result, the immune system is less stimulated from an infection-fighting mode, and switches to allergy mode. Early pet exposure, especially to dogs, may help prevent this.

What’s the big deal, it’s just a runny nose, right?

Wrong. Allergic rhinitis affects nearly 39 million Americans, leading to millions of missed work days, school days, and days of reduced productivity each year as a result. The costs of this disease process are measured in the multiple billions of dollars annually (doctor visits, missed work/school days, and medication costs). The effect of allergic rhinitis on a person’s quality of life is comparable to that of a severe asthmatic.
Allergic rhinitis also influences other diseases. Uncontrolled hay fever symptoms can lead to sinus infections, ear infections and worsening of asthma. And people with allergic rhinitis are more prone to illnesses, since the inflammation in the nose makes them more susceptible to the virus that causes the common cold.

How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?

History. Diagnosis is made by a person’s symptoms that are consistent with allergies, a physical exam by a medical professional showing signs suggestive of allergies, as well as positive allergy testing. It may be difficult to tell the difference between a common cold and allergies in some people; clues which suggest allergies include:

• Presence of other atopic diseases (such as atopic dermatitis)
• Family history of allergic diseases
• Symptoms associated with a season or trigger (such as a cat)
• Improvement of the allergy symptoms with medications
• The presence of itching (of the nose, eyes, ears, roof of mouth) is highly suggestive of allergies

Physical exam. A physician will also perform a physical exam, looking for clues for allergies. The exam includes looking in the ears (fluid behind the ear drum can suggest allergies), in the nose (pale, swollen mucus membranes in the nasal passages suggest allergies), and in the mouth (evidence of post nasal drip may also suggest allergies). Dark circles under the eyes are called “allergic shiners,” and are due to nasal congestion. A horizontal crease on the nasal bridge is from upward rubbing of the nose with the palm of the hand, called an “allergic salute”.
Allergy testing. Positive allergy tests are required to diagnose allergic rhinitis; negative allergy testing suggests non-allergic rhinitis. Allergy testing is accomplished with skin testing or blood tests (called a RAST). Skin testing is considered the standard, and is performed in a variety of ways, the most common being prick (or scratch) tests.

Find out more about allergy testing and treatments for allergic rhinitis.

<sub>Sources:

Bousquet J, van Cauwenberge P, Khaltaev N. Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma. J Clin Allergy Immunol. 2001;108:S147-344.

Buttram J, More D, Quinn J. Allergy and Immunology. The Complete History and Physical Exam Guide. 2003:53-69.</sub>

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.