hay fever
Definition: a form of atopy characterized by an acute irritative inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory passages accompanied by itching and profuse watery secretion, usually without temperature elevation, followed occasionally by bronchitis and asthma; the episode recurs annually at the same or nearly the same time of the year, in spring, summer, or late summer and autumn, caused by an allergic reaction to the pollen of trees, grasses, weeds, flowers, etc.
Synonym(s): allergic coryza
Further information
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© Copyright 2018 Wolters Kluwer. All Rights Reserved. Review date: Sep 19, 2016.
