Hay Fever

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction in the nose and eyes to airborne triggers — pollen, dust mites, fungal spores, pet dander. It isn't caused by "hay" or a "fever", but the name stuck. In India, it is common year-round; pollution makes it worse.

Typical symptoms

• Sneezing in bursts.
• Runny and/or blocked nose.
• Itchy nose, eyes, roof of mouth.
• Red, watery eyes.
• Post-nasal drip, throat clearing, night cough.
• Tiredness, poor sleep, reduced concentration.

Common Indian triggers

• House-dust mites — worse in humid coastal cities.
• Cockroach allergens — urban households.
• Pollen — Parthenium (congress grass/gajar ghas), grass pollen, tree pollen; peaks vary by region.
• Fungal spores — monsoon and post-monsoon.
• Pollution + ozone + construction dust — make symptoms worse even without a specific allergen.

What helps

• Reduce the exposure — dust-mite-proof mattress covers, weekly hot-washing bed linen, regular vacuuming, keeping windows shut during pollen peaks, mask outdoors on polluted days.
• Saline nasal washes — cheap and evidence-backed.
• Second-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamines.
• Nasal steroid sprays — the most effective option for persistent symptoms; safe for long-term use when used correctly.
• Combination nasal sprays (antihistamine + steroid) for moderate/severe cases.
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) — reduces sensitivity over 3–5 years; considered for severe or medicine-dependent cases.

Avoid

• Nasal decongestant drops for more than 3–5 days — cause rebound congestion.
• Long-term oral steroid tablets — avoid.
• Unregulated "Ayurvedic nasal drops" — several have been found to contain steroids.