hay fever

noun

Pathology.

1. a type of allergic rhinitis affecting the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, affecting susceptible persons usually during the summer, caused by pollen of ragweed and certain other plants.

hay fever

noun

1. Technical names: allergic rhinitis.  pollinosis. an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, etc, characterized by sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose

hay fever

1. An seasonal allergic condition characterized by a sensitivity to airborne pollen, resulting in nasal discharge, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. It occurs especially during late spring, late summer, and early fall and can be caused by the pollens of various plants, especially ragweed and certain trees and grasses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hay fever¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Darren says hay fever could also be an issue for pupils, particularly those sitting exams.

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This year the warm weather in the UK, plus last year's too, means conditions have been ideal for birch tree pollen - a major hay fever trigger.

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Grass pollen also peaks in June, often making this a miserable time of year for hay fever sufferers.

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It affects about 95% of hay fever sufferers and is at its peak from now until July.

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Pollen levels are expected to be high or very high over the next few days which means more bad news for hay fever sufferers after a severe start to the pollen season.

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