Hay isn't the issue. Your eyes are red; your nose is running;
your head is stopped up. Fever is the least of your problems.
Still, it's called hay fever. At certain times of the year,
flowers grasses or trees release pollen. If you're allergic to a
specific type of pollen, hay fever is the result. When the
pollen hits your nasal passages, antibodies are produced to
counteract it. Among the by products of this process is a
substance called histamine. It's what causes your nose to run,
your sinuses to clog, and your eyes to turn red. Sometimes this
reaction also produces an intense itching sensation that can
strike anywhere. There are some over-the-counter preparations
that may relieve some of the symptoms temporarily, but the only
long-term relief comes from visiting an ear, nose and throat
specialist. Through a series of tests, the doctor can determine
exactly which types of pollen you're allergic to. Treatment then
consists of a series of shots to desensitize your system to the
specific types. Otherwise, you