Hay fever season: Here’s why it’s getting worse

You’ve finally made it through cold and flu season, yet now that spring has arrived it’s only a matter of time before your nose is running, your eyes are streaming and your head is pounding. Hay fever season is just around the corner and it’s set to affect one in four of you. What’s more, the problem is getting worse. The health experts at YourGP explain why…

The signs and symptoms of hay fever

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to pollen in the air, triggering an inflammatory response. Some of the most common complaints associated with the condition include:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sinus discomfort
• Headaches
• Skin rashes
• Tiredness

A typical hay fever season

The UK hay fever season typically starts in late March and runs right through until September. There are three main pollen types which can cause symptoms:

1. Tree pollen (released March to May)
2. Grass pollen (released May to July)
3. Weed pollen (released June to September)

Hay fever sufferers can be allergic to one, two or all three of these types of pollen. It is still not clear exactly why some people suffer while others don’t, however a recent study uncovered more than 40 risk genes associated with hay fever, including 20 not previously known about. The same study also found an overlap between risk genes for hay fever and risk genes for autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Why things are set to get worse

Climate change is not only having a dramatic effect on our planet, but on our health too. A recent report from the UK Government Health Security Agency revealed our changing climate could see some types of pollen and other allergens released earlier in the year and for longer durations as temperatures rise. For some types of pollen, this may mean levels high enough to trigger hay fever as early in the year as January or February.

The warmer temperatures caused by climate change and the higher carbon dioxide levels caused by pollution are increasing plant growth and pollen production, potentially leading to more intense pollen seasons.

It is also believed that increased urbanisation and the resulting pollution is causing changes in our microbiome which can lead to more severe immune responses to pollen.

Practical solutions to help keep hay fever at bay

There are several steps you can take to reduce the effects of hay fever:

• When outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes
• Apply Vaseline to the bottom of your nostrils to help trap pollen before it enters your nose
• Shower as soon as you come inside and change into clean clothes
• When inside, keep windows closed
• Vacuum regularly to minimise the build-up of pollen indoors

Need extra help?

There is a range of over-the-counter medications available at your local pharmacy which can help to minimise the effects of hay fever. This includes tablets and nasal sprays, but the efficacy of these can vary from individual to individual.

YourGP, however, may be able to provide something more effective. Options include a steroid nasal spray or corticosteroid injection.

To find out what treatment is most suitable for you, book an appointment at YourGP using our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 381 0322 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you. So you can enjoy the spring and summer, no matter how high the pollen count reaches.