Rhazes and the First Clinically Exact Description of Hay Fever (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)

Even though, the term 'allergy' first appeared in the medical literature in 1906, allergic diseases such as asthma, urticaria and eczema have been known for centuries, and their history dates back to antiquity.1 in the middle ages, 'rose fever' was a well-known entity with symptoms similar to hay fever.2the first description of the clinical symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is attributed toa british physician, dr. john bostock (1773-1846).3 later, dr donald stated that his own 'catarrh' ofsneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion occurred only during the summer.4 in 1828, he realizedthat his symptoms was associated with the cutting of hay, and deduced that his problems were in some way related to substances emanating from hay. he thus coined the term 'hay fever''.4