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General health information

Hay fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses or weeds. Typical symptoms are sneezing fits, a watery runny nose, an itchy nose or eyes and watering eyes. Symptoms are unpleasant but usually not dangerous. However, it matters to distinguish hay fever from breathlessness caused by asthma: wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath need extra attention and sometimes prompt assessment.

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  • Hay fever is an allergy to pollen, not an infection.
  • Itching, sneezing and a watery runny nose are more typical than thick yellow mucus or a high fever.
  • Eye and nose symptoms often occur together.
  • Breathlessness, wheezing or chest tightness may suggest asthma and need extra attention.
  • Treatment often works better when combined with reducing pollen exposure.

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