Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergy to pollen. Pollen particles are released into the air by flowers, grasses and trees, particularly in Spring and Summer- causing runny nose, sneezing and itchiness of the throat, eyes and ears. It can be severe in some cases, with bouts of repeated sneezing, a constantly streaming nose and inflamed eyes. On a bad day, it can be almost impossible to work, study or socialise. Some people get hay fever symptoms all year round, from dust, moulds or animal hair/dander.