Testing for hay fever

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, often causes repeated sneezing, an itchy or blocked nose, and watery eyes after exposure to an airborne allergen. A clinician will ask when symptoms occur, whether they follow outdoor exposure or particular seasons, and whether they affect sleep or breathing. Skin-prick testing or a blood test can look for sensitisation to selected allergens such as pollen. The result is interpreted with your history: sensitisation does not automatically mean that an allergen causes your symptoms. Examination may also help separate hay fever from infection, non-allergic rhinitis, sinus problems, or an eye condition such as allergic conjunctivitis.

Write down symptom timing, likely exposures, medicines used, and whether symptoms improve when you are away from a particular setting. Bring a list of medicines, because some antihistamines can interfere with skin testing; ask the clinic whether any should be paused. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Results can guide practical avoidance steps and treatment choices, but avoiding every possible allergen is rarely necessary. If symptoms include cough, chest tightness, or wheeze, mention this because asthma assessment may also be relevant.

Arrange a review if nasal or eye symptoms persist, disturb sleep, limit normal activities, or do not respond to your current plan. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, rapidly worsening swelling of the mouth or throat, faintness, or blue lips. Those features need immediate assessment rather than routine hay-fever testing.

Ask whether your pattern fits allergic rhinitis, which allergens should be tested, whether medicines affect the test, and how the result would change treatment. Ask what symptoms should prompt an urgent review.