Seasonal allergic rhinitis is another name for hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to seasonal allergens—usually things like pollen from trees, grass or weeds. In people with seasonal allergic rhinitis, the immune system overreacts to these harmless substances and identifies them as a threat. Your body fights back by releasing chemicals like histamine, which causes the sneezing and runny nose that are typical symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Some people can have allergic rhinitis all year round, but for people with seasonal allergic rhinitis, their symptoms usually get worse during the spring and fall.
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