Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
1 medicine
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes triggered by pollen. It is treated with non-sedating antihistamines such as fexofenadine plus reduced allergen exposure.
Key facts
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, is an immune reaction to airborne allergens such as tree, grass, and weed pollen.
- It causes persistent sneezing, a watery or blocked nose, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat that appear or worsen at specific times of year.
- First-line treatment is a non-sedating antihistamine such as fexofenadine; the allergy relief range covers other options. Reducing pollen exposure helps alongside medicine.
- See a doctor if symptoms disrupt sleep, cause facial pain or pressure, or if asthma worsens alongside nasal symptoms.
What causes it
Hay fever happens when the immune system overreacts to pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds, releasing histamine that inflames the lining of the nose and eyes. Symptoms cluster around the pollination periods of whichever plants a person is sensitive to, so the pattern and timing vary from one person to the next. Some people react to more than one pollen type, which stretches the symptomatic period across several months rather than a single tight season.
Controlling symptoms day to day
Non-sedating antihistamines are the first choice for most people. Fexofenadine blocks histamine receptors without causing significant drowsiness, making it suitable for daily use at school or work. The allergy relief category covers other antihistamine options for those who need an alternative. When eye irritation is prominent, an antihistamine eye drop can be used alongside an oral tablet for extra relief.
Reducing exposure matters as much as medicine: keep windows closed during high-pollen periods, shower and change clothes after time outdoors, and wear wrap-around sunglasses to limit pollen reaching the eyes. Checking a local pollen forecast helps with planning outdoor activity on the worst days.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if symptoms are severe enough to disrupt sleep or daily function, if you develop facial pain or pressure that suggests sinusitis, or if asthma symptoms worsen alongside nasal symptoms. Anyone whose antihistamine isn't controlling symptoms after regular use should also get a review, since a nasal steroid spray or a specialist allergy assessment may help.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.