Hayfever is the common name for an allergic reaction of the nose, throat and eyes. It is caused by an allergy to things such as pollen from plants. These allergy causing substances are known as allergens.

For most people Hayfever usually occurs about the same time each year, e.g. in spring or summer. This is when a lot of pollen is in the air because many grasses, weeds and trees are flowering. Hayfever at this time is referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis.

However some people get Hayfever all year round. This is called perennial allergic rhinitis. This is usually caused by an allergy to animal hair, house dust mites and mould. Hayfever can be made worse by things that irritate the already sensitive nose – things such as smoke, chemical fumes or sudden changes in temperature.

Signs and Symptoms of Hayfever

When allergens enter the nose, throat or eyes, special cells called mast cells become active (like a volcano erupting). These cells release many substances including histamine, that cause symptoms such as:

• Sneezing

• Stuffy, blocked nose. Your sense of smell may be affected.

• Runny, itchy nose.

• Watery, puffy, itchy, bleary or red eyes.

• Tickly or burning feeling in your throat or on the top of your mouth. Also you may get a cough or wheeze.

• Headache (due to blocked sinuses).

• Itchy inside your ears.

These symptoms are often worse in the mornings, or on windy days.

Some people may get confused between a cold and Hayfever. The symptoms can be very similar – eg runny nose, but with hayfever the mucus from the nose is more watery and often there is more sneezing.