Hay Fever: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

The symptoms of hay fever include congestion, itchy and watery eyes, and other symptoms similar to those of a common cold. The symptoms you experience immediately after exposure to an allergen may differ from symptoms you experience the next time you are exposed to that allergen or after chronic exposure to an allergen.

Early symptoms of hay fever

You may experience hay fever symptoms immediately after exposure to an allergen like pollen. At times any of these hay fever symptoms can be severe:

• Decreased sense of smell
• Itchiness around your nose or mouth
• Itchy eyes
• Itchy skin
• Runny nose and congestion
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes

Later or chronic symptoms of hay fever

You may experience severe hay fever symptoms if you are exposed to an allergen consistently or for long periods of time. Any of these hay fever symptoms can be severe:

• Changes in thinking, including slow or fuzzy thinking
• Coughing with or without a sore throat
• Earache or ears that feel plugged or clogged
• Fatigue, lethargy and irritability
• Headache
• Red and itchy eyes
• Runny nose (nasal congestion)
• Sore throat
• Swelling in your face, especially around the eyes

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some rare cases, hay fever can be a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have serious difficulty breathing.