Hay Fever

What is hay fever?

Hay fever causes nasal symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose. It’s an allergic reaction that often worsens when the weather is warm and dry. There are two types:

Seasonal

Many people have seasonal allergies occurring in spring, summer, and fall. If you have seasonal hay fever, pollen and mold spores may be the culprits behind your symptoms.

Perennial

Perennial hay fever is ongoing, resulting from year-round allergens like pet dander or dust mites.

You might have both types of hay fever. You can have year-round symptoms that worsen during certain seasons.

What are the signs of hay fever?

Hay fever affects people differently, but common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Coughing
• Sinus pressure or headaches
• Fatigue due to disrupted sleep
• Itchy throat, ears, or nose

Many people feel like they have a cold but without the fever or body aches that come with a cold. Instead, the symptoms stick around as long as you get exposed to allergens.

Who gets hay fever?

Hay fever is an overreaction from your immune system. The allergens or irritants that trigger a reaction are harmless to most people. But if you have hay fever, your immune system sees these allergens as threats and overreacts, causing disruptive symptoms. 

While anybody can get hay fever, it often runs in families. You might be more likely to develop it if your parents or siblings have allergies.

How is hay fever managed?

Managing hay fever starts with identifying your triggers and finding the correct treatment to keep symptoms under control. Treatment options may include:

Nasal corticosteroids

These reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, helping congestion and preventing other symptoms.

Oral corticosteroids

Used for short-term relief, oral corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and swelling during severe flare-ups.

Decongestant medications

These medications help clear nasal congestion, making breathing easier and reducing sinus pressure.

Antihistamines

By blocking histamines, they prevent sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergens.

Immunotherapy with allergy shots

This long-term treatment gradually builds tolerance to allergens, reducing your sensitivity over time.

Avoiding triggers, like pollen or pet dander, can also help minimize symptoms.

If you’re dealing with hay fever symptoms, the allergy, asthma, and immunology experts at Allergy Associates of Utah can help. Schedule an appointment online or call today to learn more.