Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes. An allergic response causing itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and other similar symptoms. Allergic rhinitis occurs seasonally or year-round. Diagnosis involves history-taking, examination of the nasal passages and sometimes skin testing. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and red, watery and itchy eyes. Antihistamine medication can reduce symptoms. When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen, mold, animal dander, or dust, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen. Recent research suggests that allergies may protect people from greater harm, such as cancer. ... In fact, the idea of allergies offering health benefits has become an intriguing subject for new research for example, that hay fever may actually be a sign of a strong immune system, rather than a sick one.