Hay Fever (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Hay Fever Overview
- Hay Fever Causes
- Hay Fever Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Hay Fever Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will ask you questions about the following:
- Medical history, including allergies, asthma, and eczema
- Seasonal symptoms associated with specific geographic locations
- Family history of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies
He or she may take a drop of your nasal discharge, looking at it under a microscope for many immune cells called eosinophils, which increase dramatically in number during an allergic reaction.
An allergy specialist (allergist) may be able to determine the exact allergen causing your hay fever. He or she uses a skin test in which dilute solutions of various allergens are introduced into your skin. A positive reaction is indicated by a typical wheal and flare reaction (raised red bump).
Next: Hay Fever Treatment »
Allergies & Asthma
Improve treatments & prevent attacks.
From WebMD
Allergies Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Allergic Rhinitis »
Rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the nasal membranes1 and is characterized by a symptom complex that consists of any combination of the following: sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea.

