SEASONAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS TO POLLEN
Hay Fever
A seasonal form of allergic rhinitis triggered by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, causing sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and tiredness during specific times of the year.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Hay Fever
Hay fever is a common name for seasonal allergic rhinitis — an allergic reaction triggered by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds at specific times of the year. Unlike year-round allergic rhinitis, hay fever typically occurs in predictable seasons depending on which pollen the person is sensitive to. Typical features include bouts of sneezing, runny nose with clear watery discharge, nasal blockage, itching of the nose, eyes, throat and ears, red and watery eyes, post-nasal drip, headache and tiredness. Symptoms can significantly affect sleep, daily activities, school and work. Effective management combines pollen-avoidance strategies during peak seasons, anti-inflammatory nasal therapy and antihistamine therapy started before the season begins, with allergen immunotherapy in selected patients. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive hay fever evaluation and treatment at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Pollen from trees, especially in spring
- Pollen from grasses, mainly in summer
- Pollen from weeds, often in late summer and autumn
- Exposure to outdoor pollen on dry, windy days
- Family history of allergies, asthma or eczema
- Other environmental allergens in some patients
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical history with seasonal pattern; allergy testing in selected cases
Symptoms recur predictably during specific pollen seasons
Pollen avoidance, anti-inflammatory nasal therapy and antihistamine therapy started early in the season
Often linked with asthma and allergic conjunctivitis
Avoid outdoor exposure during peak pollen, keep windows closed, shower after outdoor activity
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Early Seasonal Therapy with Pollen Avoidance
The most effective approach is starting anti-inflammatory nasal therapy and antihistamine therapy before the pollen season begins, combined with practical pollen-avoidance strategies. For severe or persistent cases, allergen immunotherapy is highly effective.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews the seasonal pattern, triggers and associated conditions, examines the nose, eyes and chest and arranges allergy testing where indicated.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created — including pollen-avoidance strategies, early seasonal therapy and consideration of immunotherapy.
- 3
Medical Management
Anti-inflammatory nasal therapy, antihistamine therapy, eye drops if needed, and management of associated asthma.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Review at the end of the season to assess control and plan therapy for the next season, with immunotherapy considered for persistent or severe cases.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Pollen-Avoidance Strategies
Keeping windows closed during peak pollen, avoiding outdoor activity on high-pollen days, showering after outdoor exposure and wearing wraparound sunglasses help reduce contact with pollen.
Anti-Inflammatory Nasal Therapy Started Early
Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays are most effective when started a few weeks before the season begins and used regularly throughout the pollen period.
Antihistamine Therapy
Oral and nasal antihistamine therapy is used during the pollen season to reduce sneezing, itching and runny nose.
Eye Drops for Allergic Conjunctivitis
Anti-allergy eye drops help relieve red, itchy and watery eyes that often accompany hay fever.
Allergen Immunotherapy in Severe Cases (Referral for allergy specialist)
Long-term allergen immunotherapy can provide significant and lasting improvement in carefully selected patients with severe persistent hay fever.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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