Why is it called “hay fever?
” “Hay fever” isn’t caused by hay – and doesn’t cause a fever. The name was used by 18th century British doctors to describe farmers who complained of sneezing and watery, itchy eyes after working with freshly cut hay. It was later discovered that they were allergic to the mold growing in the hay and not to the hay itself. What causes seasonal allergic rhinitis? Your immune system produces antibodies to protect against bacteria, viruses and other invading substances. In an allergic reaction, these antibodies overreact to pollen, mold spores and other harmless allergens. This leads to a release of histamine, a chemical that causes swelling of mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses and eyes. Hay fever tends to run in families, and sometimes improves in adulthood. It is often linked to allergens like dust, animal dander and mold. Seasonal allergies often go hand-in-hand with asthma and eczema. Symptoms • Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing • Itchy, watery or red eyes • Itchy or sore throat,
