Asthma and Allergies | How-Tos | Questions | News | Classes | Ordering | About the Centre | Links Hay Fever Also in this Section: What is Asthma? Managing an Asthma Attack Working With Your Doctor Towards Asthma Control Care After a Hospital Stay Asthma and Children Under 3 Animal Allergies Smoking Molds Dust Mites Asthma Medicines Inhaled Steroids Asthma and Exercise Asthma and the Internet Asthma and Camp Asthma and School Asthma and Vacation The Peak Flow Meter Asthma Action Plan Asthma Diary Asthma Diary for Children Under 3 Questions? Contact us What is Hay Fever? Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis. Hay fever is swelling of the lining inside of the nose. The swelling is caused by breathing in an allergen (something to which you are allergic). Some common allergens include: Animals Dust mites Mold Pollen from trees, grass & weeds Other triggers such as air pollution, dry air, strong odors and smoke can make hay fever worse. What are symptoms of Hay Fever? Runny nose and cough lasting longer than two weeks Sneezing all the time Itchy eyes, nose and throat A stuffy nose Snoring Mouth breathing Are there different types of Hay Fever? Yes, some people have symptoms of hay fever year round. Other people have hay fever which only occurs at certain seasons or after exposure to triggers such as pets. How is Hay Fever treated? Try to identify your allergies. Remove, avoid or reduce exposure to your allergy triggers and irritants like tobacco smoke. Antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays or Singulair® may be used to treat hay fever. You may need to use one or more medicines. Decongestants will help, but should only be used for a few days. Longer use can increase nasal symptoms. See your doctor for the proper medicine for you. Allergy shots are given to make you less sensitive to your allergens. Allergy shots are used for people with seasonal problems to grass, tree or weed pollen. You may still need to use medicine. Speak to your Doctor to learn more about hay fever. How are Hay Fever and Asthma related? Many people who have hay fever also have asthma. The nose is part of the airways and is connected to the lungs. Anything that affects the nose can affect the lungs. Asthma symptoms may not improve until the hay fever is treated. Treating your hay fever will improve your asthma control! © 2004 The Children's Asthma Education Centre. No part of this document may be copied (either mechanically or electronically), altered or stored on any mechanical or electronic database without the prior written consent of The Children's Asthma Education Centre, a non-profit educational resource. This pamphlet is for information only and is not meant to replace physician advice.