Nasal allergies or hay fever is a common allergic reaction with flu-like symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis occurs when a person's immune system mistakenly perceives a particular substance as harmful. The body produces histamine and antibodies to ward off the substance, producing nasal congestion, sinus pressure and a runny nose. Hay fever is commonly mistaken for the common cold and should be diagnosed by a medical professional before taking any drugs or treatment. Hay fever symptoms may occur for a few weeks during spring-allergy season or year-round if related to a household allergen.
Springtime Pollen
The National Library of Medicine states that pollen remains the most common cause of hay fever symptoms. At the beginning of spring, trees, weeds and flowers bloom at the same time, producing large amounts of pollen. Most tree and weed pollen proves extremely light and becomes airborne. As pollen counts increase, a person allergic to pollen will experience hay fever symptoms. People with pollen allergies should avoid springtime pollen. He should stay indoors and keep the windows in the car rolled-up with the air conditioner running. After exposure to the outdoors, an individual who's allergic to pollen should change his clothing and take a shower to remove unseen pollen from the body.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are small mites that thrive in dusty, warm environments such as carpets, bedding and pillows. A person with a dust mite allergy may experience hay fever symptoms year round if the mites are not killed. Dust mites prefer living in temperatures above 70 degrees and may be eliminated by lowering the temperature in the house, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. To prevent hay fever from dust mites, a person should clean his house regularly using a face mask, rid the home of carpet and place dust mite covers on pillows and mattresses.
Mold
Mold proves a common cause of year-round hay fever. Mold is everywhere and most of it is unseen. Mold grows in dark, damp environments such as basements, under sinks and in the bathroom due to the humidity from showering. A person with a mold allergy should remove all visible mold using chlorine bleach and by maintaining a dry and clean environment in the home. A mold allergy can lead to complications such as asthma, fungal sinusitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis or an inflammation in the lungs. In rare cases, a person may have an extreme allergic reaction to certain types of mold that can lead to death. Consult a doctor or call 9-1-1 if someone experiences lightheadedness, difficulty breathing or seizures.
