Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever) - Overview

Spring: the sun shines, trees and flowers come into full bloom – and people with allergies suffer quietly and unnecessarily, reluctant to approach a doctor about their symptoms. Hay fever is not only an annoyance, but an illness that should be taken seriously. Fortunately, excellent treatments are available.

The medical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis. Respiratory allergies – like all allergies – have increased dramatically in the last decades. In Germany, at least 20 million people suffer from respiratory allergies. Scientists are still researching the causes of this dramatic increase. Two factors seem to play a role: climate change, and increased hygiene – which is, of course, necessary to ward off infectious disease.

 

• Definition
• Causes and triggers
• Symptoms and effects
• Progression
• Diagnosis
• Therapy
• Tips