With the opening of the spring season, seasonal allergies can make you unhappy. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is characterized by symptoms of nasal discharge and congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing attacks and sinus pressure. Although the symptoms can also be mistaken for a common cold, unlike the common cold, hay fever is not caused by a virus.

Hay fever is caused by allergic reactions of the body to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, cat and dog hair, dander, etc. If symptoms persist regardless of the season, you may have long-term allergic rhinitis. You may even be allergic to things like smoke in the air, the smell of perfume or car exhaust. Hay fever can affect your performance at school, at work and limit your quality of life.