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Health library/Hay Fever

Immune health

Hay Fever

Also known as: Pollen allergy

Hay fever is allergic inflammation of the nose triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen. It may also irritate the eyes and affect sleep or daily activity.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy watery eyes
  • Postnasal drip

Understanding care

Clinical care may include assessment of allergen patterns and discussion of suitable symptom-management options. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Discuss recurrent reactions with a clinician. Throat swelling, severe breathing difficulty or fainting may indicate anaphylaxis and requires emergency services immediately.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Hay Fever — First AID health library