Why Hay Fever Is Not To Be Sniffed At

For many, the arrival of spring is a time of renewal - those longer days, blooming flowers and the scent of fresh grass. But for hay fever sufferers, it comes with a downside: itchy eyes, endless sneezing and a nose that won’t stop running. Instead of enjoying the great outdoors, millions across the UK find themselves battling allergy symptoms that disrupt daily life. So what exactly causes hay fever and how can you keep it from spoiling the season?

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What Is Hay Fever?

The classic symptoms of itchy, sticky eyes and runny nose, medically referred to as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis respectively, are caused by the an overreaction of immune system to airborne pollen. When pollen particles enter the body, the immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful invaders and releases histamine, leading to inflammation and allergy symptoms. These can include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes and throat irritation. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the individual's sensitivity and the specific type of pollen responsible.

According to the Met Office, "hay fever affects almost ten million people in England, of all ages. This equates to almost one in four adults and one in ten children, and research shows that the number of sufferers is rising, year on year."

Different Types Of Hay Fever

Hay fever can be classified based on the type of pollen that triggers symptoms. Understanding these different categories can help individuals better anticipate and manage their allergies:

• Tree pollen (spring): Common culprits include birch, oak and alder trees, with peak pollen levels occurring between March and May.

• Grass pollen (summer): Grass pollen is the most common cause of hay fever in the UK, typically affecting individuals between late May and July.

• Weed pollen (late summer & autumn): Weeds such as nettle, dock and mugwort release pollen from July through to October, leading to prolonged symptoms for some sufferers.

  
  

Causes & Risk Factors

The primary cause of hay fever is an exaggerated immune response to pollen, leading to histamine release and inflammation. Certain factors can increase a person’s susceptibility to hay fever, including:

• A family history of allergies, asthma or eczema.

• High pollen exposure in the environment.

• Living in urban areas with increased pollution levels, which can exacerbate allergic reactions.

• A weakened immune system, which may heighten sensitivity to allergens.

  
  

Managing Hay Fever: Treatment Options

While there is no permanent cure for hay fever, various over-the-counter treatments can help control symptoms

• Antihistamines: These work by blocking histamine receptors, reducing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Non-drowsy options like loratadine and cetirizine are commonly used.

• Nasal sprays: Steroid nasal sprays (such as fluticasone or beclometasone) help reduce nasal inflammation, easing congestion and irritation.

• Eye drops: Antihistamine or mast cell stabiliser eye drops can relieve itchy, watery eyes caused by pollen exposure.

  
  

For those with moderate to severe hay fever, prescription-strength antihistamines or nasal sprays may  These may contain a combination of steroids and antihistamines to improve nasal symptoms.

Hay Fever Injections

For those with severe symptoms that are unresponsive to standard treatments, corticosteroid injections such as Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) may be an option. Their principal effect is to reduce the body’s inflammatory and allergic response, and they are used commonly for many serious medical conditions - however it is worth noting they do have significant risks. While they do not cure hay fever, they temporarily suppresses the immune system enough to take away the symptoms for the majority of sufferers. They are no longer available through the NHS and should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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Practical Tips For Managing Hay Fever

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle modifications can help minimise exposure to pollen and reduce symptom severity:

• Monitor pollen forecasts: Stay informed about daily pollen levels and try to limit outdoor activities on high-pollen days.

• Keep you windows closed: During peak pollen times, keep windows shut to prevent pollen from entering your home or car.

• Wear sunglasses: These can help shield your eyes from airborne pollen, reducing irritation.

• Shower and change clothes: After spending time outdoors, wash your hair and change clothes to remove pollen from your skin and hair.

• Use an air purifier: HEPA-filter air purifiers can help reduce indoor allergens and improve air quality.