Outlook

Common complications of hay fever include the following:

• Secondary infection: This is a bacterial infection that occurs in tissues such as the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, or sinuses or the ear that have already been irritated and inflamed by the allergic reaction. Ear infection (otitis) or sinus infection (sinusitis) are common secondary infections of hay fever.

• Rebound nasal congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa): This may result from using decongestant nasal sprays more than twice daily for 3 consecutive days.

• Nosebleeds

• Enlargement of lymph nodes in the nose and throat

• Decreased lung function

• Facial changes: Most of the facial changes are because of local inflammation and congestion. These are temporary and resolve with the treatment of the disease. These include facial swelling, redness around the nose, and allergic "shiners."

• The crease across the top of the nose caused by frequent nose wiping can persist in children with long-term hay fever.