Hay fever affects 1 in 5 people at some point and over 10 million people in England and usually begins in childhood but you can get it at any age. Hay fever is the most common name for pollen allergy.
Most common symptoms;
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy eyes
- A runny nose
Hay ever is one of the most common allergies and is more common in male children than female. However, it is equally common in adult men and women.
Other symptoms;
- Itchy mouth, nose and ears
- Change to smell
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Feeling more tired than normal
- Red and watery eyes
- Coughing – caused by mucus running down your throat
If you have asthma, this may make your symptoms of both hay fever and asthma more and increases the changes of an asthma attack. It is important to control any allergy you have as asthma symptoms may only appear when suffering with hay fever leading to symptoms such as;
- Tight chest
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Pollen, hay fever and lung conditions | Asthma + Lung UK (asthmaandlung.org.uk)
Hay fever is usually triggered by the type of weather and time of year. Between late March and September when it is warmer or more humid and or windy. This is usually when you find the pollen count at its highest.
What is pollen?
Pollen is a very fine powder released by plants and is spread by insects and wind.
There are over 20 different types of pollen but, 3 are most common which causes hay fever. The majority of people are allergic to grass pollen. Grass pollen is usually higher from spring to summer.
Tree pollen is also another common type which affects around 25% of people and is usually released in spring.
Weed pollen is released anytime between March and October.
Treatment for Hay fever
There is no known cure for hay fever. However, there are a lot of ways to relieve your symptoms which can all be purchased over the counter. Some people may suffer with more severe symptoms of allergies and although advise can be given by a pharmacist, they may have to speak to their GP to get some further help and advise.
There are several treatment to help you;
- Antihistamines
- Eyes drops
- Nasal sprays
