You probably call it hay fever, but your doctor might refer to it as allergic rhinitis. It’s most likely to strike when pollen ramps up in the spring, summer, and fall.
You don’t have to be exposed to hay to have it. And no matter what name it goes by, it causes these symptoms:
- Prolonged, sometimes violent sneezing
- Itchy, painful nose, throat, and roof of mouth
- Stuffy, runny nose
- Postnasal drip that causes coughing
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Head and nasal congestion
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Fatigue
When to call your doctor:
- Your symptoms become so severe that they stop you from living a normal life.
- You can’t control it with over-the-counter medications.
- You get an infection in congested sinus cavities. The symptoms of that are a fever, facial pain, postnasal drip, bad breath, and sinus or tooth pain or tenderness.