What is "hay fever," and what is its medical term?

• A. Allergic rhinitis, an allergic reaction to pollen or other allergens.
• B. Chronic sinusitis, a long-lasting infection.
• C. Viral laryngitis, inflammation of the larynx.
• D. Asthma, a chronic disease affecting the airways.

Answer: (A)

Hay fever is a seasonal allergic reaction that mainly affects the nose and eyes after exposure to airborne allergens like pollen. The medical term for this condition is allergic rhinitis. When the body encounters the allergen, the immune system produces IgE antibodies and releases histamine, leading to sneezing, nasal congestion, runny or itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. It’s often tied to pollen seasons but can occur year-round with other triggers. The term hay fever is the common name; allergic rhinitis is the precise medical diagnosis. Other choices describe different conditions—chronic sinusitis is a long-lasting sinus infection, viral laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box from a virus, and asthma is a chronic disease of the lower airways.