What causes hay fever?

Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen — a fine powder released by plants. The body mistakes pollen for a threat and releases chemicals that cause inflammation in the nose, eyes and throat.

When is hay fever season in the UK?

It varies by the type of pollen. Tree pollen is usually highest from late March to mid-May, grass pollen from mid-May to July, and weed pollen from late June onwards. Many people are most affected when grass pollen is high.

How can I reduce hay fever symptoms without medication?

Helpful steps include staying indoors when the pollen count is high, keeping windows closed, showering and changing clothes after being outside, and putting a small amount of barrier balm around the nostrils to trap pollen.

Can hay fever be cured?

There is no cure, but symptoms can usually be controlled. For severe cases that do not respond to usual treatments, a GP may discuss other options.

Hay fever | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. It usually causes sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes, especially in spring and summer. There is no cure, but symptoms can usually be eased with antihistamines and other treatments from a pharmacy.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction to pollen. It tends to be worse during spring and summer when pollen counts are high, though some people are affected at other times of year depending on which pollen they react to.

Symptoms

Hay fever usually causes:

frequent sneezing
a runny or blocked nose
itchy, red or watery eyes
an itchy throat, mouth, nose or ears

Some people also feel tired, or notice their symptoms make asthma worse.

What causes it

Hay fever happens when the immune system reacts to pollen as if it were harmful. This triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals, which cause the familiar symptoms. The pollen responsible can come from grass, trees or weeds.

Treatment

Most people manage hay fever with treatments from a pharmacy. A pharmacist can recommend the most suitable option for you, which may include antihistamine tablets, sprays or eye drops, or steroid nasal sprays. Starting treatment a week or two before your symptoms usually begin can help.

Alongside medication, reducing your exposure to pollen makes a real difference: check the pollen forecast, stay indoors when counts are high, keep windows shut, and shower and change clothes after being outdoors.

When it does not settle

If your symptoms continue despite treatment, a GP can review your options. Persistent or severe allergic rhinitis can sometimes be helped by other treatments, which a doctor will discuss with you.

Common questions

What causes hay fever?: Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen — a fine powder released by plants. The body mistakes pollen for a threat and releases chemicals that cause inflammation in the nose, eyes and throat.
When is hay fever season in the UK?: It varies by the type of pollen. Tree pollen is usually highest from late March to mid-May, grass pollen from mid-May to July, and weed pollen from late June onwards. Many people are most affected when grass pollen is high.
How can I reduce hay fever symptoms without medication?: Helpful steps include staying indoors when the pollen count is high, keeping windows closed, showering and changing clothes after being outside, and putting a small amount of barrier balm around the nostrils to trap pollen.
Can hay fever be cured?: There is no cure, but symptoms can usually be controlled. For severe cases that do not respond to usual treatments, a GP may discuss other options.

Sources

NHS — Hay fever