Seasonal allergies (commonly called hay fever), causes cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus — it's caused by an allergic response to indoor or outdoor airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Some people have hay fever year-round. For others, hay fever gets worse at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall. One of the most common allergic conditions, hay fever affects about one in five people.

Symptoms of hay fever usually develop immediately after you're exposed to specific allergy-causing substances (allergens) and can include:

• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Sinus pressure and facial pain
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
• Decreased sense of smell or taste

Conventional therapies for seasonal allergies include nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, non-steroidal nasal sprays, and allergy shots. These medications can help prevent symptoms of allergies, but often result in side effects such as increased nasal congestion, nose and throat dryness, fatigue, insomnia, sinus headache, and drowsiness. However, allergy medications don't work for many people. Some people don't want to start medication if they don't have to. They're willing to try other things and use medication as a last resort.

Many people are benefiting from acupuncture for allergy symptom management. As a primary therapy modality or in combination with conventional medication, acupuncture effectively addresses the root cause of perennial allergic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies, by correcting the underlying immune system imbalance. A comprehensive treatment program combining Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine can decrease inflammation, congestion, constriction of bronchial passages, and reactions to allergens.