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Hay fever





NHS Choices Syndication


Hay fever

Causes of hay fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. When these tiny particles come into contact with the cells that line your mouth, nose, eyes and throat, they irritate them and trigger an allergic reaction.

Allergic reaction

When you have an allergic reaction, your body overreacts to something it perceives as a threat. In hay fever, the allergen (the substance you are allergic to) is pollen. Your immune system (the body’s natural defence system) starts to respond as if it were being attacked by a virus.

Your immune system will release a number of chemicals designed to prevent the spread of what it wrongly perceives as an infection.

These chemicals then cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction, such as watering eyes and a runny nose.

Risk factors

It’s unclear what causes the immune system to do this but there are several risk factors that can increase your risk of hay fever.

They include:

  • having asthma or another allergic condition such as eczema (an allergic skin condition)
  • having a family history of hay fever
  • being exposed to tobacco smoke during early childhood

What are you allergic to?

In England, most people with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen. However, trees and weeds can also cause hay fever. Research suggests that pollution, such as cigarette smoke or car exhaust fumes, can make allergies worse.

Pollens

There are around 30 types of pollen that could cause your hay fever. The pollen that causes hay fever could come from sources including:

  • grass – 90% of people in Britain with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen
  • trees – about 25% of people in Britain with hay fever are allergic to pollen from trees, including oak, ash, cedar and birch (people with an allergy to birch often also experience an allergic reaction to apples, peaches, plums and cherries as these types of fruit contain a similar protein to birch pollen)
  • weeds – such as dock, mugwort and nettles 

It’s possible to be allergic to more than one type of pollen.

When is there most pollen?

Different trees and plants produce their pollen at different times of the year. Depending on which pollen you are allergic to, you may experience your hay fever symptoms at different times. In the UK, the pollen count season is usually separated into three periods:

  • tree pollen – late March to mid-May
  • grass pollen – mid-May to July
  • weed pollen – end of June to September

However, the pollen count season can sometimes begin as early as January, or end in November.

The effect of the weather

The amount of sunshine, rain or wind affects how much pollen plants release and how much the pollen is spread around. On humid and windy days, pollen spreads easily. On rainy days, pollen may be cleared from the air, causing pollen levels to fall.

During their pollen season, plants release pollen early in the morning. As the day gets warmer and more flowers open, pollen levels rise. On sunny days, the pollen count is highest in the early evening.

Allergen
An allergen is a substance, such as pollen, that reacts with the body’s immune system and causes an allergic reaction.
Allergy
Allergy is the term used to describe an adverse (bad) reaction that the body has to a particular substance.
Antibodies
An antibody is a protein that is produced by the body to neutralise or destroy disease-carrying organisms and toxins.
Immune system
The immune system is the body’s defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.

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Published Date
2014-02-17 14:39:32Z
Last Review Date
2014-02-10 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-02-10 00:00:00Z
Classification
Allergies,Hay fever,Immune system






NHS Choices Syndication


Hay fever

Complications of hay fever

Hay fever can lead to complications such as sinusitis and middle ear infections (otitis media). Hay fever can also have a significant impact on your daily activities.

In one study, a third of adults with hay fever reported that their symptoms had a considerable negative impact on their work, home and social life.

Children’s symptoms can disrupt their schooling and lead to delays in learning and development.

In most cases, the negative impact can be reduced by receiving effective treatment. If you are concerned that hay fever is becoming more and more of a problem in your (or your child’s) life then contact your GP.

Also make extra efforts to limit exposure to pollen. Read more about preventing hay fever.

Sinusitis

Infection of the sinuses (small, air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead) is a complication of hay fever.

This is called sinusitis and can cause pain and tenderness in the face (near the affected sinuses). You may experience a throbbing pain that is worse when you move your head, and toothache or pain in your jaw when you eat.

The swelling of the nasal passages that happens in hay fever can prevent mucus from draining out of the sinuses. This can make them more vulnerable to infection.

Sinusitis can usually be treated using over-the-counter painkillers. If symptoms persist then antibiotics and corticosteroid tablets or sprays may be required.

Read more about treating sinusitis.

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

Hay fever can lead to a middle ear infection if the Eustachian tube (a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose) becomes blocked by a build up of mucus.

This is more common in children as their Eustachian tube is smaller than an adult’s.

Most middle ear infections will clear up within 72 hours without the need for treatment. Further treatment is usually only necessary if ear infections keep on occurring.

Read more about treating a middle ear infection.

Published Date
2014-07-09 23:21:45Z
Last Review Date
2014-02-10 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-02-10 00:00:00Z
Classification
Ear infections,Hay fever,Infections,Otitis media,Sinusitis






NHS Choices Syndication


Hay fever

Diagnosing hay fever

Your GP should be able to diagnose hay fever from a description of your symptoms. In some cases, you may be referred for allergy testing.

A diagnosis for hay fever would usually only be required:

  • if your symptoms were particularly severe
  • the pattern of symptoms was unusual, such as having symptoms during the winter or while indoors
  • you experienced complications of hay fever

If possible, keep a diary of what times of the day or year you experience your symptoms, as this can help with the diagnosis.

Allergy testing

Your GP may refer you to an immunologist for an allergy test if you have hay fever symptoms all year round (persistent allergic rhinitis), or symptoms that are not responding to treatment. Other substances could be causing your allergy, such as house-dust mites, animals or certain foods.

The two main allergy tests are:

Skin prick test

An immunologist will place the allergen on your arm and prick the surface of your skin with a needle. This will introduce the allergen to your blood stream and, if you are allergic to it, you should have a reaction.

If your skin starts to go red around where it was pricked, swells up or becomes itchy, this could be an allergic reaction and would confirm that you have hay fever.

A skin prick test may not be suitable if:

  • you are on certain medications, for example antihistamines, which will stop you having an allergic reaction
  • you have significant eczema, as your skin may already be red or itchy, so an allergic reaction will not be noticeable

In this case, a blood test may be necessary to confirm your diagnosis (see below).

The use of commercial allergy testing kits is not recommended. The testing is often of a lower standard than that provided by the NHS or accredited private clinics. Also, it is important that the results of the test are interpreted by a qualified professional who has detailed knowledge of your symptoms and medical history.

Blood test

A sample of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm and tested for the presence of the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody.

If you have hay fever, your body produces this antibody when it comes into contact with pollen. If your blood test is positive for IgE, this may confirm that you have hay fever.

Allergen
An allergen is a substance that reacts with the body’s immune system and causes an allergic reaction, for example pollen.
Allergy
Allergy is the term used to describe an adverse (bad) reaction that the body has to a particular substance.
Antibodies
Antibodies are your body’s natural defence against any foreign antigens that enter your blood. An antibody is a protein that is produced by the body to neutralise or destroy disease-carrying organisms and toxins.
Blood
Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
Published Date
2014-02-17 14:39:48Z
Last Review Date
2014-02-10 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-02-10 00:00:00Z
Classification
Allergies,Blood,Blood tests,Hay fever,Skin




Hay fever – NHS Choices






























































Hay fever 

Introduction 

Hay fever advice


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Hay fever is an allergy to pollen that affects around one in four people. An expert explains how it’s diagnosed, the symptoms and treatment.

Media last reviewed: 19/03/2013

Next review due: 19/03/2015

Allergic rhinitis

The medical term for hay fever is seasonal allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis means inflammation of the inside of the nose.

Some people can also experience hay fever-like symptoms when they are exposed to other allergy-triggering substances, such as dust mites and animal fur.

Read more about other types of allergic rhinitis.

Pollen count

The pollen count is a measurement of the amount of pollen in the air. The higher the count the more severe symptoms of hay fever can become (depending on the specific type of pollen you are allergic to).

The Met Office provides a pollen forecast. If the count is high you can take preventative steps such as taking an antihistamine before leaving the house.

Allergies

Advice on allergies such as eczema and food allergy, and what treatments are available on the NHS


Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life.

Symptoms of hay fever include:

  • sneezing
  • a runny nose
  • itchy eyes

Read more about the symptoms of hay fever.

The symptoms of hay fever are caused when a person has an allergic reaction to pollen.

Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. Pollen contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses (small air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead) to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.

You can have an allergy to:

  • tree pollen, released during spring
  • grass pollen, released during the end of spring and beginning of summer
  • weed pollen, released any time from early spring to late autumn

Read more about the causes of hay fever.

Many people find that their symptoms improve as they get older. Around half of people report some improvement in symptoms after several years. In around 10%-20% of people symptoms go away completely.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for hay fever but most people are able to relieve symptoms with treatment, at least to a certain extent.

In an ideal world, the most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid exposure to pollen. However, it’s very difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors.

Treatment options for hay fever include antihistamines, which can help prevent an allergic reaction from happening and corticosteroids (steroids), which help reduce levels of inflammation and swelling.

Many cases of hay fever can be controlled using over-the-counter medication available from your pharmacist. But if your symptoms are more troublesome it’s worth speaking to your GP as you may require prescription medication.

For persistent and severe hay fever there is also a type of treatment called immunotherapy where you are exposed to small amounts of pollen over time to build up a resistance to its allergic effects. However, this can take many months or even years to be effective.

Read more about treating hay fever.

Who is affected

Hay fever is one of the most common allergic conditions. It is estimated that there are more than 10 million people with hay fever in England.

Hay fever usually begins in childhood or during the teenage years, but you can get it at any age.

The condition is more common in boys than in girls. In adults, men and women are equally affected.

Hay fever is more likely if there is a family history of allergies, particularly asthma or eczema.

Self-help tips

It is sometimes possible to prevent the symptoms of hay fever by taking some basic precautions, such as:

  • wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes when you are outdoors
  • change your clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body
  • try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high (over 50). See hay fever symptoms for an explanation of the pollen count

Read more about the prevention of hay fever.

Complications

Hay fever does not pose a serious threat to health but it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. People with very bad hay fever often find that it can disrupt their productivity at school or work.

Another common complication of hay fever is inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). Children in particular may also develop a middle ear infection (otitis media) as a result of hay fever.

Read more about the complications of hay fever.  

Page last reviewed: 10/02/2014

Next review due: 10/02/2016

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Comments

The 9 comments posted are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

Orbilia said on 24 June 2013

At one point I was allergic to the whole grass plant (and nettles and plantain) that I had to take massive amounts of antihistamine under my doctor’s supervision. My symptoms still caused me hell and both the pills and the allergy were creating dangerous health issues.

My GP gave me a course of acupuncture which reduced the symptoms so dramatically I could hardly believe it. I now only need to take a pill once in a while and use my inhaler so rarely that I get it replaced ‘cos it’s past it’s expiry date!

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Plast said on 19 June 2013

If I could say any word about hay fever It would start with I Hate not only can i hardly breath I dread the heat. I came back from seeing a private doctor in london and decided enough was enough. £100 is a lot of money to me but I am assured it will work my sister emailed me a page. I went private so fingers crossed that this works as they told me it will. Has any one else had the injection? and did it work for you. Thanks P

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janescott1970 said on 15 May 2013

Used to dread this time of year. I got some respite last year because someone recommended I apply vaseline inside the bottom of my nostrils, which I did and it did help a little. Then I came across a great little product called haymax which is natural and works much better than vaseline and the relief it gave me was unbeleivable. I have now switched to sinubalm within the past couple of weeks which works even better again because it seems to hold better in my nostrils therefore lasts longer. It is also cheaper and does not have any odour. The haymax natural is not the most pleasant smell. I cant beleive how a simple product can be so affective.

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ShengB said on 22 August 2012

OMG Matthew Patterson I am competely with you on this, my hayfever has done the same stuff to me which makes ulmost unable to talk coz my hearing has gone really weird yet none of the sneezing and itching stuff :/ I do also feel severely tired EVERY SINGLE DAY. It all started back in March and Its been going on for 5 MONTHS!!?? can somebody PLEASE explain to me what is going on with me? Help coz its driving me INSANE :// Is Kenalog injection the only option available to get me out of the misery I am in at the moment?

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Monty40 said on 24 April 2012

Hayfever has been the bain of my life since I can remember and sometimes gets that bad I can hardly open my eyes let alone function. I was on a trip in connecticut (america) last year when a guy who I became friends with seen how much distress I was in and suggested I use a nose spray he was using. He was kind enough to give me one of his as a gift (he had a full carton) and said he got it from the UK. I had never heard of it before. It was amazing and I never felt so good when I used it. I used the full bottle and when I got back to the UK my hayfever was great for the remainder of the summer even when the pollen count was high. I don’t know why it would but it even stopped the itching and watering in my eyes. My hayfever is now starting to play up again and I never got a contact number for my friend. I remember it smelled of cumin and ginger. Does anyone know what it is called? The name has not stuck in my mind and I want to get some urgently as I am starting to panic at the thought of this summer without it. Cheers.

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o Nions said on 02 July 2011

I used to suffer from hay fever so badly that I had to take time off work every year. But about 4 years ago I found a really simple cure – onions! No really – if you chew a slice of raw onion when the sneezing is upon you it stops it dead – amazing! Ok it doesn’t stop the itching around the eyes but it allows you to continue with your life! Also over the four years or so I’ve been using the Onion Cure lol I’ve noticed that I’ve begun slowly to develop a sort of resistance to hay fever and the symptoms have become much milder. Onions are of course good for you too. Just don’t kiss anybody… Sooo here’s to the mighty onion – saved my life…
PS I searched for this site not because I was looking for a cure but just to let other sufferers know….

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Matthew Patterson said on 21 June 2011

I allegedly started suffering from Hay Fever around 5 years ago. My Hay Fever isnt like any of the sites say. I dont have itchy eyes or sneeze. My nose just gets so blocked i cant breath which in turn make me unable to hear. I have been to the DR every year and each year told different stuff to try. I even try taking tablets at the beginning of the year and still i get the symptoms. It last for around 6 months of the year and even when they say the pollon count is low- i am still the same. Its an absolute nightmare and i am unsure as to what to try or where to turn. Can anyone help?

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crazyifg said on 18 April 2011

hi,sory for my lang firtsly .i do have this kind of allergy since i was 18 19 , but i dindnt know.i move i uk few years ago , i develloped allergy on honey , milk and some kinds of foods made with some incredients .i did try a lot and now after 2 years i dont have any food alergy and i hope in 2 years i will cure this for ever.i still have some eyes problems , burning for eg but not so bad like before.i would like to share my advices and how i did it , and to hear opinions about how the others can survive with this.i was to gp 2 years ago and he told me the same i will never be cured but i cant accept this and from this hay fever we i can go worst to asthma .thanks

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cd1234 said on 26 February 2011

I am one part of that 20% of people that have hay fever in england. But my condition starts in late winter. I have also tryed everything on the market. I have also tryed everthing on perscription. I would also like to know why this happends. So how can it possiably be pollen at this time of the year?help!!!

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Online clinic on hay fever

Online clinic on hay fever

Read specialists’ answers to a range of questions on hay fever and other environmental allergies

‘I can’t run away from my hay fever’

He sprinted his way into the record books, but athlete Marlon Devonish can’t escape his hay fever

Find and choose services for Hay fever











NHS Choices Syndication


Hay fever

Introduction

Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life.

Symptoms of hay fever include:

  • sneezing
  • a runny nose
  • itchy eyes

Read more about the symptoms of hay fever.

The symptoms of hay fever are caused when a person has an allergic reaction to pollen.

Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. Pollen contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses (small air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead) to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.

You can have an allergy to:

  • tree pollen, released during spring
  • grass pollen, released during the end of spring and beginning of summer
  • weed pollen, released any time from early spring to late autumn

Read more about the causes of hay fever.

Many people find that their symptoms improve as they get older. Around half of people report some improvement in symptoms after several years. In around 10%-20% of people symptoms go away completely.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for hay fever but most people are able to relieve symptoms with treatment, at least to a certain extent.

In an ideal world, the most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid exposure to pollen. However, it’s very difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors.

Treatment options for hay fever include antihistamines, which can help prevent an allergic reaction from happening and corticosteroids (steroids), which help reduce levels of inflammation and swelling.

Many cases of hay fever can be controlled using over-the-counter medication available from your pharmacist. But if your symptoms are more troublesome it’s worth speaking to your GP as you may require prescription medication.

For persistent and severe hay fever there is also a type of treatment called immunotherapy where you are exposed to small amounts of pollen over time to build up a resistance to its allergic effects. However, this can take many months or even years to be effective.

Read more about treating hay fever.

Who is affected

Hay fever is one of the most common allergic conditions. It is estimated that there are more than 10 million people with hay fever in England.

Hay fever usually begins in childhood or during the teenage years, but you can get it at any age.

The condition is more common in boys than in girls. In adults, men and women are equally affected.

Hay fever is more likely if there is a family history of allergies, particularly asthma or eczema.

Self-help tips

It is sometimes possible to prevent the symptoms of hay fever by taking some basic precautions, such as:

  • wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes when you are outdoors
  • change your clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body
  • try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high (over 50). See hay fever symptoms for an explanation of the pollen count

Read more about the prevention of hay fever.

Complications

Hay fever does not pose a serious threat to health but it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. People with very bad hay fever often find that it can disrupt their productivity at school or work.

Another common complication of hay fever is inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). Children in particular may also develop a middle ear infection (otitis media) as a result of hay fever.

Read more about the complications of hay fever.  

Allergen
An allergen is a substance, such as pollen, that reacts with the body’s immune system and causes an allergic reaction
Allergy
Allergy is the term used to describe an adverse (bad) reaction that the body has to a particular substance.
Sneezing
Sneezing is an involuntary expulsion of air and bacteria from the nose and mouth.

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Published Date
2014-02-17 14:39:05Z
Last Review Date
2014-02-10 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-02-10 00:00:00Z
Classification
Allergic rhinitis,Allergies,Asthma,Hay fever,Itchy eyes,Sneezing,Spring






NHS Choices Syndication


Hay fever

Lisa's story

Lisa Miles, from Kent, tried a number of different treatments before she found the right one for her. She describes how she relieves her hay fever symptoms.

“When I first got hay fever, I already had asthma and I just thought my symptoms were connected to this. My head and nose felt very congested. My eyes would feel very sore, red and itchy, especially when I was near flowers. It was during a routine check with my GP that my hay fever was diagnosed.

“My symptoms tend to flare up from February until September. Hay fever can make my asthma worse and I used to have problems sleeping too. It’s like trying to go to sleep with a bad cold. Luckily, the medication I take has helped me get to sleep.

“I take antihistamines prescribed by my doctor regularly throughout the hay fever season. These are non-drowsy so they don’t affect my day-to-day life. I also use eye drops. I find that this treatment helps a lot. It doesn’t get rid of my symptoms completely, but it makes them manageable.

“I’ve also had to make a few lifestyle changes. I now avoid cutting the grass. If I really have to, I do it late in the evening when pollen counts are lower. I always keep my windows shut too. I try not to sit outside when pollen counts are high in the morning and late afternoon. Taking medication before the hay fever season starts has really helped as well.

“My advice to anyone with hay fever is to try a different antihistamine if the one prescribed isn’t effective. I tried several antihistamines before I found one that really helped my symptoms. Don’t feel shy about going back to your doctor and asking for a different one if your symptoms aren’t relieved.”

Published Date
2014-07-14 11:41:36Z
Last Review Date
2014-02-10 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-02-10 00:00:00Z
Classification
Hay fever






NHS Choices Syndication


Hay fever

Preventing hay fever

It is very difficult to completely avoid pollen. However, reducing your exposure to the substances that trigger your hay fever should ease your symptoms.

Staying indoors

If possible, try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high (over 50). The following tips may help reduce your exposure to pollen:

  • Keep windows and doors shut in the house. If it gets too warm, draw the curtains to keep out the sun and keep the temperature down.
  • Don’t keep fresh flowers in the house.
  • Vacuum regularly, ideally using a machine with a HEPA (high-efficiency particle arresting) filter.
  • Damp dust regularly. Dusting with a wet cloth, rather than a dry one, will collect the dust and stop any pollen from being spread around. 
  • Keep pets out of the house during the hay fever season. If your pet does come indoors, wash them regularly to remove any pollen from their fur.
  • Don’t smoke or let other people smoke in your house. Smoking and breathing in other people’s smoke will irritate the lining of your nose, eyes, throat and airways, and can make your symptoms worse.
  • If possible, avoid drying clothes outside. This will help prevent bringing pollen into your house.

Avoiding pollen outside

If you need to go outside or are travelling, the following tips may help reduce your exposure to pollen:

  • Avoid cutting grass, playing or walking in grassy areas and camping – particularly in the early morning, evening and at night when pollen counts are highest.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes.
  • Change your clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body.
  • Keep car windows closed. You can buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car. This will need to be changed every time the car is serviced.
Allergen
An allergen is a substance, such as pollen, that reacts with the body’s immune system and causes an allergic reaction.
Allergy
Allergy is the term used to describe an adverse (bad) reaction that the body has to a particular substance.
Published Date
2014-02-17 14:40:34Z
Last Review Date
2014-02-10 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-02-10 00:00:00Z
Classification
Allergies,Hay fever






NHS Choices Syndication


Hay fever

Symptoms of hay fever

Hay fever symptoms vary in severity and may be worse some years than others, depending on the weather conditions and the pollen count. The time of year your symptoms start depends on the types of pollen you’re allergic to.

The symptoms of hay fever include:

  • frequent sneezing
  • runny or blocked nose
  • itchy, red or watery eyes (also known as allergic conjunctivitis)
  • an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
  • cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose)

Less commonly, you may experience:

  • the loss of your sense of smell
  • facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses)
  • headaches
  • earache
  • tiredness and fatigue

While symptoms of hay fever may be mild, they can interfere with your sleep and your daily activities at school or work.

Hay fever and asthma

If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever. Sometimes, asthma symptoms only occur when you have hay fever.

These symptoms include:

  • tight chest
  • shortness of breath
  • coughing
  • wheezing

Pollen count

Hay fever symptoms are likely to be worse if the pollen count is high. The pollen count is the number of grains of pollen in one cubic metre of air.

Air samples are collected in traps set on buildings two or three storeys high. Taking samples from this height gives a better indication of the pollen in the air.

Traps on the ground would only collect pollen from nearby trees and plants.

The air is sucked into the trap and the grains of pollen are collected on either sticky tape or microscope slides (glass plates). The pollen is then counted. Samples are normally taken every two hours, and usually the results are averaged over a 24-hour period.

The pollen forecast is usually given as:

  • low: fewer than 30 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air
  • moderate: 30-49 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air
  • high: 50-149 grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air
  • very high: 150 or more grains of pollen in every cubic metre of air

Hay fever symptoms usually begin when the pollen count is over 50. The pollen count is usually given as part of the weather forecast during the spring and summer months.

When to seek medical advice

Most cases of hay fever can be treated using over-the-counter medication.

A pharmacist can advise on treatments for you or your children.

You would normally only need to see your GP if:

  • you can’t control your symptoms with over-the-counter medications or you are having troublesome side effects caused by the medication
  • you are experiencing persistent complications of hay fever, such as worsening of asthma or repeated episodes of sinusitis
  • the pattern of your symptoms is unusual; such as occurring during the winter or only at your workplace – it is likely that another substance other than pollen is responsible and further testing will be required to confirm this
Allergen
An allergen is a substance, such as pollen, that reacts with the body’s immune system and causes an allergic reaction.
Allergy
Allergy is the term used to describe an adverse (bad) reaction that the body has to a particular substance.
Pain
Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign that it has been damaged.
Sneezing
Sneezing is an involuntary expulsion of air and bacteria from the nose and mouth.
Wheezing
Wheezing is the whistling sound made during breathing when the airways are blocked or compressed.
Published Date
2014-02-17 14:39:18Z
Last Review Date
2014-02-10 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-02-10 00:00:00Z
Classification
Allergies,Asthma,Hay fever,Sneezing,Spring,Wheezing






NHS Choices Syndication


Hay fever

Treating hay fever

Before visiting your GP, you could first visit your pharmacist and try treating your symptoms with over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines.

If these fail to improve your symptoms, make an appointment to see your GP as you may need treatment with prescription medications such as steroid medication (corticosteroids).

Read on to learn about the different treatments you may be offered. Information about a specific medication can be found in the hayfever medicines guide

You can also see a summary of the pros and cons of these treatments, which allows you to easily compare your options.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines treat hay fever by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it is under attack from an allergen. This prevents the symptoms of the allergic reaction from occurring.

Antihistamines are usually effective at treating itching, sneezing and watery eyes, but they may not help with clearing a blocked nose.

They are available in tablet form and also as nasal sprays.

You can use antihistamines:

  • as an “as-required” treatment – where you take them when you first notice that you are developing the symptoms of hay fever
  • as a preventative treatment – for example, if you know there is going to be a high pollen count, you can take them before leaving the house in the morning

Different antihistamine tablets for hay fever include cetirizinefexofenadine and loratadine. A common antihistamine spray is azelastine.

Unlike older antihistamines, these newer types shouldn’t cause drowsiness, although this can occasionally occur in some people.

If this does happen to you then avoid driving or using tools or machinery. Also contact your pharmacist or GP as there may be an alternative antihistamine you can take.

Read more about antihistamines.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops

Corticosteroids (steroids) are used to treat hay fever because they have an anti-inflammatory effect.

When the pollen triggers your allergic reaction, the inside of your nose becomes inflamed.

Corticosteroids can reduce this inflammation and prevent the symptoms of hay fever.

Your GP may prescribe corticosteroid nasal sprays or drops instead of antihistamines if:

  • you have persistent hay fever that does not respond to antihistamines
  • your main symptom is a blocked nose
  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Corticosteroids are more effective than antihistamine tablets at preventing and relieving nasal symptoms, including sneezing and congestion. They can also relieve itchy, watery eyes. They are most effective if you start using them a couple of weeks before your symptoms usually begin, and work best when used regularly.

It’s important that you carefully read the instructions that come with your medication as applying the drops or the spray incorrectly can increase your risk of side effects, such as:

  • irritation and dryness of your nose
  • nose bleed
  • unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • itchy skin rash around the nose

Corticosteroid tablets

If you require rapid short-term relief from severe symptoms (for example if you had an exam or driving test coming up), your GP may prescribe a course of corticosteroid tablets.

The use of corticosteroids for longer than 10 days is not recommended, as the longer you take steroid tablets the more likely it is you will begin to experience unpleasant side effects, such as:

  • weight gain
  • changes in mood, such as feeling irritable
  • acne

Read more about different corticosteroid sprays, drops and tablets available.

Nasal decongestants

Hay fever can cause a blocked nose. A decongestant, in the form of a nasal spray, can relieve this. Decongestants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which opens your nasal passage and makes breathing easier.

Your GP can prescribe a nasal decongestant, but there are many available from your pharmacist. Check the ingredients as some decongestants also contain antihistamine. If they do, they may relieve other symptoms as well.

If not, the decongestant will only relieve your blocked nose.

Nasal decongestants shouldn’t be used for longer than seven days. They may cause dryness and irritation in your nasal passage, and can make the symptoms of congestion worse (this is known as rebound congestion).

Read more about nasal decongestants.

Eye drops

Eye drops are available from your pharmacist to treat the hay fever symptoms that affect your eyes, such as redness, itchiness and watering (allergic conjunctivitis). These drops contain antihistamine to reduce the inflammation in your eyes, which will relieve the symptoms.

Eye drops containing the active ingredient sodium cromoglicate are the most widely used. Check the patient information leaflet for the correct way to use them. Some may cause side effects, such as a stinging or burning feeling in your eyes. 

Immunotherapy

If you have persistent hay fever symptoms that are not relieved by the above treatments, your GP may refer you for immunotherapy treatment. This involves gradually introducing you to small amounts of the allergen (the substance you are allergic to), such as pollen, and monitoring your allergic reaction.

However, this treatment is only carried out in specialist medical centres in case a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs.

The allergen can be given to you as:

  • an injection into your skin – this is known as systemic injection immunotherapy (SIT)
  • a tablet that dissolves under your tongue – this is known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)

You will then be monitored for up to an hour.

Further doses of sublingual immunotherapy can safely be administered at home after an initial dose has been given under medical supervision.

As you get used to the allergen, the amount used is slowly increased and your allergic reaction to it should get less severe and you should slowly build up an immunity to it.

This can improve people’s tolerance of the allergen, improve their quality of life and has long-term results.

However, immunotherapy may take months or even years to be effective.  

Allergen
An allergen is a substance, such as pollen, that reacts with the body’s immune system and causes an allergic reaction.
Allergy
Allergy is the term used to describe an adverse (bad) reaction that the body has to a particular substance.

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Published Date
2014-08-07 13:34:52Z
Last Review Date
2014-02-10 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-02-10 00:00:00Z
Classification
Allergies,Anaphylaxis,Corticosteroids,Decongestants,Hay fever,Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency,Nose


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