Hay Fever
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion,
sneezing or sinus pressure. It is caused by an allergic response to specific substances in the environment.
Despite its name, hay fever is almost never triggered by hay, and it does not cause a fever. It got its name in
the early 1800s when British doctors noticed that some rural residents experienced sneezing, itchy eyes and
coughing after exposure to cut hay or grass. At that time, doctors did not realize that the culprit was an allergic
reaction to pollen or mold. They called the condition a "fever" because it caused nervousness, one of the old
English definitions of fever.
Seasonal hay fever symptoms can be caused by:
l Tree pollen - common in the spring
l Grass pollen - common in the late spring and summer
l Weed pollen - common in the fall
l Spores from fungi and molds, which can be worse during warm weather months
Year-round (perennial) signs and symptoms can be caused by:
l Dust mites
l Animal dander (dried skin flakes and saliva)
l Cockroaches
l Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds
Self-care
It is not possible to completely avoid allergens, but one can reduce exposure to them.
§ Close doors and windows during pollen season.
§ Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
§ Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
§ Wear a dust mask when doing outdoor activities such as gardening.
§ Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
§ To reduce dust mites, wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 F.
§ Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
§ Avoid carpeting, furry fabrics and soft toys, especially in the bedrooms.
§ Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter.
§ Consider use of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the bedroom.
§ Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
When to seek medical advice
Talk to a doctor if:
§ Your symptoms are persistent.
§ You have another condition such as nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections.
§ Your child has hay fever — early allergen immunotherapy may help your child from developing asthma.
Where necessary, skin or blood tests can be performed to identify possible allergens.
The SingHealth Team