Why don't people understand how debilitating hay fever can be?

I know for many people hay fever (allergic rhinitis)is a minor annoyance. But, there are those of us for whom it is truly debilitating. Why is it that many people just dismiss it or disbelieve those who suffer greatly? Is it because you can't see the nasal inflammation that produces the pain? Is it because many doctors do not take it seriously enough? It may not result in death directly but can disable many.
I do not mean to whine about it but would like to hear what other sufferers have to say about this psychological aspect of dealing with the disease. Any imput would be appreciated!
Please note that I am not talking about treatments here as I have had this for many, many years and have tried most treatment modalities. I, also, keep up with the latest in research. I am really just trying to get a handle on how those with severe allergic rhinitis deal with it!!

One of the first things that should be done is to get rid of all the toxic cleaning and laundry products you have in your home as this is most likely part of the cause. Be sure you are using a good multivitamin and antioxidant supplement to keep your immune system healthy. Hubby handles his by keeping up with his allergy shots and using the medications that help him the most. He also stays indoors when pollens are high. If he is really having a rough day he will stay home from work but that is rare now that he is being treated by the allergist. The best thing to do though is get the toxic products out of your home and get you immune system built up so you have a "safe haven" to be in when you are not out and about.

Well I am having an attack today and to tell you the truth it is painful and horrible. My nose is raw, my head is killing me, I am panting like a dog to breath, and my face is so red I cannot stand it. People keep looking at me (I work in a hospital) like I am a walking virus. I have to keep saying "I'm not contagious". It is horrible and I wish no one had to go through this. Days like today I wish I was horizontal or tipped back in a dentist chair because that would be the only way I could save my raw nose!

I found it so exhausting when my hayfever was bad. I would only get four hours or less of sleep a night with waking every few minutes. The inability to sleep seemed the worst part to me.
Also I would sometimes get nosebleeds until I felt weak.

i suffered froim hay fever + asthma, more when i was young...people do not understand that when you have a hay fever/allergic attack, it totally distracts you, you loose concentration due to the itchiness, sneezing and the horrible way it makes you feel. you cannot read, or talk on the phone or even enjoy t.v., because the symptoms can be sssooo bad, all you can do is suffer....i am 45 and i have had the flu, asthma, and other problems...but hay fever is the only medical problem that keeps you from studying..or even thinking clearly...i had it so bad i would sneeze 13 times in a row at times...and i broke a rib from sneezing so hard and so much....so i understand how awful it is...good luck

I completely sympathize. I have other, what would be considered "minor", non-life threatening conditions that seriously affect my quality of life. But because they are not visible or understood by non-sufferers, they are quickly dismissed. I can somewhat understand people's perspective because one cannot phanthom something they have not experienced themselves. It's frustrating, but keep in mind that there are millions of people like you out there who share your dillema and *do* understand. Whilst not completely satisfying, the idea that I'm not alone, does give me a sense of comfort.

I think the fact that it can't be seen is a major issue. I find that almost all diseases/sicknesses/etc that cannot be seen, and dismissed as people making it out to be worse than it is, or it's just in our heads. I have had gall bladder problems, which my doctor said sorry I don't see anything wrong, so don't know what to tell ya. And I also have very bad allergies to the point where all I can do is sleep because I can't breathe during the day, I go through a whole huge box of kleenex in one day, and it just wears me out to the point that I only have enough energy for a few hours at a time.

I do understand how debilitating hay fever can be, I just don't care, that's all.
I may be insensitive, but I'm not stupid!

I must admit that I used to be one of those people who minimized the suffering of those afflicted with allergies....
until it happened to me. People just can't comprehend because they haven't experienced the agony first-hand.
I am often so miserable that I feel like cutting my own head off just to stop the sinus pain. It is truly unbearable. No analgesic seems to be able to touch the pain of sinus pressure.

I know what you mean...I usueally tellpeople that don't understand to stick it....if that doesn't help pick something they have and pretend to not understand it...it makes them angry and then you can lead in with...well that's how I feel...
As for Dr. problems...try a new one......they may understand better