Allergies Health Center

Understanding Hay Fever -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

• Prolonged, sometimes violent sneezing
• Itchy, painful nose, throat, and roof of mouth
• Stuffy, runny nose
• Postnasal drip, resulting in coughing
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Head and nasal congestion
• Ear pressure or fullness
• Fatigue

These symptoms are often seasonal.

Call Your Doctor About Hay Fever If:

• Your condition becomes so severe that it interferes with your life and you're unable to control it with over-the-counter medications. A steroid nasal spray can be effective, but is available only by prescription.
• A secondary infection develops in congested sinus cavities; signs are fever, facial pain, a yellow or green discharge, postnasal drip, bad breath, and sinus or tooth pain or tenderness.