Is hay fever the same as allergic rhinitis?
Hay fever and allergic rhinitis are two names for the same condition. Hay fever is the everyday term people use, while allergic rhinitis is the medical name for the inflammation in the nose caused by an allergy. They both describe the body's reaction to allergens like pollen.
Key points:
- Hay fever refers to seasonal allergic rhinitis triggered by pollen.
- Allergic rhinitis can also be year-round from triggers like dust mites or pet dander.
- The terms are used interchangeably in the UK.
- Hay fever does not involve actual fever or hay.
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by medino's clinical team.