(haay fev-er) - symptoms that occur after you are near grass, trees and weeds in the air The pollen from these things causes the allergic reaction Also known as allergic rhinitis
If someone is suffering from hay fever, they sneeze and their eyes itch, because they are allergic to grass or flowers. An allergic condition affecting the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes, most often characterized by nasal discharge, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes and usually caused by an abnormal sensitivity to airborne pollen. Also called pollinosis. a medical condition, like a bad cold that is caused by breathing in pollen (=dust from plants). Seasonal sneezing, nasal congestion, and tearing and itching of the eyes caused by allergy to the pollen of certain plants. These plants are chiefly those pollinated by the wind (e.g., ragweed in North America, timothy grass in Britain). Antihistamines and corticosteroids may provide temporary relief, but the most effective long-range treatment is desensitization. Unless properly treated, about one-third of patients with hay fever develop asthma
A seasonal variety of allergic rhinitis, marked by acute conjunctivitis with lacrimation and itching, regarded as an allergic condition triggered by specific allergens