Hay Fever, or allergic rhinitis, is caused when the immune system overreacts to certain airborne substances. Although allergic rhinitis is rarely dangerous, it can cause serious discomfort. The most common trigger for hay fever is pollen from flowering plants, although grass and fungal spores can also cause an allergic reaction. If you only experience symptoms in the spring or fall, you probably have seasonal rhinitis. Perennial rhinitis is when the hay fever symptoms last all year long. Most hay fever symptoms have to do with the immune system producing far too much mucus. The purpose of the mucus is to capture the offending pollen and eliminate it from the respiratory system.
Unfortunately, the overproduction of phlegm can cause serious distress for all areas of the respiratory system. The nasal passages and sinuses can become blocked with excess phlegm, which leads to sinus pain, a runny nose, sneezing, ear pain, headaches, and watery eyes. Sometimes a severe and long lasting bout of hay fever can lead to a sinus or ear infection. In most cases, the symptoms will go away soon after the cause has been removed, which is why seasonal rhinitis clears up when the offending plants and trees stop producing pollen.
Unfortunately, the overproduction of phlegm can cause serious distress for all areas of the respiratory system. The nasal passages and sinuses can become blocked with excess phlegm, which leads to sinus pain, a runny nose, sneezing, ear pain, headaches, and watery eyes. Sometimes a severe and long lasting bout of hay fever can lead to a sinus or ear infection. In most cases, the symptoms will go away soon after the cause has been removed, which is why seasonal rhinitis clears up when the offending plants and trees stop producing pollen.