Hay fever is the common term for a group of symptoms that mainly affect the nose. These symptoms include a stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes, a feeling of clogged ears, sneezing, nasal itching, coughing, and postnasal drip. Allergens in the environment bring on hay fever as a result of an inappropriate immune system response. The medical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis.

The mild temperatures in Northeast Florida mean that trees start producing spring pollen early in our area– in some years as soon as December. Trees, especially Yellow Pine and Live Oak, produce heaps of pollen from late December until around May. Then grass pollen becomes a problem, which is followed by weed pollen — particularly ragweed and dog fennel. Grass and weed pollen seasons usually end in November.

Unfortunately, the Jacksonville area does not really have a hay fever “off-season.” Our warm winters and early springs mean that allergic rhinitis sufferers may be exposed to pollen year-round. Even during colder-than-average winters, staying indoors can lead to hay fever symptoms from pet dander, mold, and dust mites.

No. Hay fever is not the result of pathogenic microorganisms, like viruses or bacteria, so it cannot be transmitted from person to person. Instead, an overreaction in the immune system to pollen or another allergen is the cause of hay fever.

Hay fever is a response to environmental allergens. The most common culprits of seasonal allergies are tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen. On the other hand, dust mites, mold, and animal dander are usually responsible for perennial or year-round allergies.

In hay fever, the immune system produces allergic antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE stimulates special immune cells called mast cells to release histamines that lead to nasal inflammation, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and other symptoms. Put simply, the immune system “mistakes” allergens for dangerous invaders and launches a response.

Our allergy specialists are Board Certified Allergists/Immunologists who diagnose hay fever by reviewing your medical history, performing a physical examination, and talking with you about your symptoms and daily environment. Also, allergy testing is often necessary to identify the specific allergens causing your problems. This allergy testing may take the form of skin testing or blood testing.

Most standard hay fever treatments are not preventative. For example, over-the-counter medications only lessen the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms. In addition, conventional medications will not completely prevent the onset of hay fever.

The most effective preventive measures are avoidance and allergen shots. For example, you can help prevent hay fever episodes by staying indoors on days with a high pollen count or refraining from petting cats if you’re allergic to cat dander.

Allergy shots are a highly effective preventative option for many patients. This form of immunotherapy will modify your immune system’s response to allergy triggers and can help you avoid symptom outbreaks altogether.