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Hay Fever
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Immune System

Hay Fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered by pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses that enters the nose and throat.

Overview

Each spring, summer, and fall, trees, weeds, and grasses release tiny pollen grains into the air. Some of the pollen ends up in your nose and throat, which can trigger a type of allergy called hay fever.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

  • Sneezing, often with a runny or clogged nose
  • Coughing and postnasal drip
  • Itching eyes, nose and throat
  • Red and watery eyes
  • Dark circles under the eyes

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your health care provider may diagnose hay fever based on a physical exam and your symptoms. Sometimes skin or blood tests are used.

Taking medicines and using nasal sprays can relieve symptoms. You can also rinse out your nose, but be sure to use distilled or sterilized water with saline. Allergy shots can help make you less sensitive to pollen and provide long-term relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never use tap water for nasal rinses. Tap water may contain microorganisms, such as Naegleria fowleri, which can cause a rare but serious brain infection if introduced into the nasal passages. Always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled (and cooled) water for your saline solution to ensure safety.
llergy immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that typically takes two to three years to reach full effectiveness. Most patients begin to notice a reduction in symptoms within the first six to twelve months, but the full protective benefit against pollen sensitivity is usually achieved after the maintenance phase begins, which occurs after the initial buildup period.
The key differentiator is the presence of itchy eyes, nose, or throat. Hay fever typically causes intense itching and watery eyes without a fever or body aches. If you have a fever, sore throat, or general malaise, it is more likely a viral infection like a cold or flu. Additionally, hay fever symptoms tend to persist for weeks during high pollen seasons, whereas colds usually resolve within 7 to 10 days.
Pollen counts are generally highest in the early morning hours, specifically between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM. To reduce exposure, keep windows closed during these peak hours. If you must be outside, try to limit time outdoors during this window. On windy days, pollen levels are also elevated, so it is advisable to stay indoors or keep windows shut regardless of the time of day.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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