Hay fever is a common allergic condition. You’ll experience hay fever symptoms if you have an allergic reaction to pollen which is released by plants.
Symptoms of hay fever
The symptoms of hay fever include:
- frequent sneezing
- runny or blocked nose
- itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- cough – this is caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose)
Other symptoms of hay fever are less common. This includes:
- the loss of your sense of smell (anosmia)
- facial pain – this is caused by blocked sinuses)
- headaches
- earache
- tiredness and fatigue
If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever.
Treatment for hay fever
There’s currently no cure for hay fever but most people can relieve symptoms with treatment.
Treatment options for hay fever include:
- antihistamines – which help to prevent an allergic reaction
- corticosteroids (steroids) – which help to reduce inflammation and swelling
Many hay fever medications are available over-the-counter.
How to prevent hay fever symptoms
There are some steps you can take to prevent hay fever symptoms.
Do
- wear wraparound sunglasses – this can stop pollen getting in your eyes when you’re outdoors
- take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors – to remove pollen on your body
- stay indoors when the pollen count is high
- apply a small amount of Vaseline (petroleum gel) to the nostrils to trap pollen
- keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
- wipe surfaces in your house regularly with a damp cloth
- try to spend time outdoors when pollen levels are lower
Don’t
- do not keep fresh flowers in your house
- do not smoke or be around smoke – it can make your symptoms worse
- do not dry clothes outside when pollen counts are high
Check the pollen forecast
You may find it helpful to check the pollen forecast in your area. This can help you plan your day-to-day activities, and when to take your hay fever treatments.
The Met Office have advice on the latest pollen forecasts.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen.
Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. It contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.
You can have an allergy to:
- tree pollen – released during spring
- grass pollen – released at the end of spring and the beginning of summer
- weed pollen – released in late autumn
Who’s most at risk of hay fever?
Anyone can get hay fever. It usually begins in childhood or during your teenage years.
You’re more likely to develop hay fever if you have a family history of allergies, particularly asthma or eczema.
Many people find their symptoms improve as they get older.
Complications of hay fever
Hay fever can sometimes affect your quality of life. For example, very severe hay fever may disrupt your productivity at school or work.
Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis) is a common complication of hay fever. Children may also develop a middle ear infection (otitis media) as a result of hay fever.