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Travel HealthWomen's HealthSeasonal HealthSkin HealthSexual HealthMen's HealthGeneral Health

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Hay Fever Online Consultation

Hayfever is a common allergic condition. It affects up to 1 in 5 people at some point in their life.

You’ll experience hay fever symptoms if you have 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 during the end of spring and beginning of summer weed pollen, released late autumn.

Many people find their symptoms improve as they get older.

Symptoms of hay fever include: sneezing and coughing a runny or blocked nose itchy, red or watery eyes itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears loss of smell pain around your temples and forehead headache earache feeling tired.

If you have asthma, you might also: have a tight feeling in your chest be short of breath wheeze and cough.

Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay fever can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the level of exposure to allergens. Common symptoms include:

  • Sneezing: Frequent and repetitive sneezing, often in fits.
  • Runny or blocked nose: Your nose may produce clear mucus or feel congested.
  • Itchy eyes, nose or throat: A persistent itch in your eyes, nose, or throat is a sign of hay fever.
  • Watery eyes: Your eyes may water more than usual, often accompanied by redness.
  • Coughing: A dry cough can develop, particularly if your throat is affected.
  • Fatigue: Constant symptoms can make you feel tired or rundown.

What causes Hay Fever?

Hayfever is triggered when your immune system overreacts to certain particles in the air, treating them as harmful invaders.

To effectively manage your hay fever, you should ideally work out your triggers, as each person is different and may even react to multiple allergens.  The most common hay fever causes include:

  • Pollen: This is the leading cause of hay fever, particularly during spring and summer when trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air.
  • Dust: Tiny bugs that live in household dust can trigger symptoms, especially if you have perennial hay fever.
  • Pets: Proteins in the skin flakes, urine, and saliva of animals like cats and dogs can cause allergic reactions.
  • Mould: Mould can grow indoors or outdoors, and the spores it releases can be another trigger for hay fever symptoms.