Allergic rhinitis, often called allergies or hay fever, occurs when yourimmune system overreacts to particles in the air that you breathe—you are allergic to them. Your immune system attacks the particles in your body, causing symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose.

People with allergies usually have symptoms for many years. You may have symptoms often during the year, or just at certain times.

Over time, allergens may begin to affect you less, and your symptoms may not be as severe as they had been.