What is hay fever? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of hay fever in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of hay fever

hay fevernoun

sốt mùa hè

/ˈheɪ fiːvə(r)//ˈheɪ fiːvər/

Where does the word hay fever come from?

The term "hay fever" can be traced back to the 18th century when it was first used to describe a seasonal allergic reaction to pollen in the air. The name "hay fever" came from the misconception that hay was the cause of the allergy, rather than the pollen that was carried in the hay. During the 18th century, farmers would bring freshly-cut hay into their homes to be stored for winter use. This led to a buildup of pollen and other allergenic particles in the indoor air, causing symptoms similar to a feverish illness. Since hay was a common household item, it was thought that the hay itself caused the allergy, leading to the term "hay fever." However, this misconception was debunked in the mid-19th century when scientist John Bostock realized that the symptoms were not caused by hay, but by spores released by grass and other plants. This realization helped to better understand and diagnose hay fever, and led to more effective treatments for the allergy. Today, hay fever is more accurately referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis, as the primary symptom is inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergens in the air. The term "hay fever" still remains popular, however, due to its historical significance and continued usage in popular culture.

Example of vocabulary hay fevernamespace

  • Sarah sneezed and rubbed her watery eyes as she realized she was experiencing another bout of hay fever.
  • John avoided going outside during hay fever season as the pollen in the air made his symptoms worse.
  • Maria took her antihistamines religiously during hay fever season to alleviate her sneezing, itching, and congestion.
  • The hay fever season lasted for several weeks, making life miserable for those with allergies.
  • Rachel carried tissues with her everywhere she went to catch her nose and mouth during her hay fever attacks.

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