Hay fever: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

During the summer months, there is an increase in the amount of pollen in the air from trees and grass. This can be incredibly uncomfortable for those with hay fever, or an allergy to pollen. Hay fever is an incredibly common allergy that typically presents as a runny nose or blocked nose as well as itchiness around the eyes. While there is no cure for hay fever, there are many ways you can effectively manage symptoms. Often this refers to using medication (antihistamines) and avoiding the allergen, this can help relieve the effect of the hay fever on your daily life. In this article we will explore some commonly asked questions about hay fever from what causes it to hay fever treatment. 

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever (or seasonal allergic rhinitis) refers to the condition where someone is allergic to pollen. In fact, it is a very common allergy and you may have also heard it referred to as ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’. People who have hay fever can find the summer months quite uncomfortable because there is increased pollen in the air or wind. When the pollen comes into contact with their eyes or nose, they may develop symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny/blocked nose. 

These symptoms happen because for some people, their immune system is overly sensitive to airborne allergens (like pollen) which then causes the heightened immune reaction by the body. Hay fever is more common in people who have other family members with hay fever, an allergy to another substance, asthma, or eczema. Unfortunately, you can’t completely cure or get rid of hay fever, but you can manage the symptoms effectively. For example, you can try to avoid the allergen or take antihistamines which can help relieve or prevent symptoms of hay fever. 

Common Causes of Hay Fever

Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) happens when someone has an allergy to pollen. This is often worse in the summer months when there is increased pollen from trees, weeds, and grass that are being carried in the air. When these allergens (pollen) touches the eyes, nose, or throat of someone with hay fever, their immune system reacts excessively which brings symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a blocked or runny nose. 

It is important to note that hay fever causes are not a specific organism like a virus or a bacterium. Hay fever when someone’s immune system is hypersensitive to pollen. There are several factors that make someone more likely to develop hay fever, these include:

• You are allergic to something else, or you have asthma, or eczema
• If you have a family member who has hay fever, another allergy, asthma, or eczema
• If you were exposed to tobacco smoke during your early childhood – it might mean you are more sensitive to allergens

If you are often in contact with allergens or irritants such as dust, pet hair, certain perfumes, or cigarette smoke. 

Hay Fever Symptoms to Look Out For

You may have seen people around you sneezing or rubbing their eyes more during summer. These are classic symptoms but the symptoms of hay fever (or seasonal allergic rhinitis) can present in many ways and can be more or less severe. It is often very uncomfortable for people with hay fever. As a general overview, common symptoms of hay fever include:

•  A runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing or coughing
• Itchiness – The eyes may become itchy, red, and watery. The ear, nose, mouth, and throat can also become itchy or irritated.
• Tiredness or fatigue. The itchiness can sometimes disturb sleep.
• Headaches or ear pain.

 As you might expect, hay fever symptoms are usually worse during May to August (summer) when there is more pollen from trees and grass circulating in the air. If you recognise some of these symptoms and feel you may have hay fever, it is advised that seek advice from a healthcare professional. 

Hay Fever vs Cold: How to Tell the Difference

It is understandable why people can get mixed up between hay fever and a cold because they share many similar symptoms. However, the key differences are the causes and duration. Here is a table comparing hay fever vs cold for your reference. It is advised to consult a healthcare professional for guidance if you have more questions. If you are suffering from a cold, you should seek medication for cough and cold rather than hayfever treatments.

Effective Hay Fever Treatments

If you have been wondering how to treat hay fever, while there is no definitive cure for hay fever, you have many allergy medication options for managing the symptoms, for example: 

• Avoidance: Avoiding areas with high pollen content, using pollen filters, keeping the windows closed, or wearing wraparound sunglasses can help decrease your exposure to pollen and reduce hay fever symptoms. 
• Antihistamines: This medication helps to relieve hay fever symptoms such as itching, sneezing and runny or blocked nose. In fact, antihistamines for hay fever can be bought over the counter and there are both drowsy and non-drowsy options. If you have hay fever, it may be helpful to carry a packet of antihistamines around with you during the summer months. 
• Nasal corticosteroids: Some people may require this to reduce inflammation in the nose. This medication is usually for people with persistent hay fever symptoms. 
• Eye drops and nasal sprays: These can help reduce symptoms of irritation and congestion. 
• Immunotherapy: This is a treatment where someone is gradually exposed to increasing levels of pollen. This can help to build tolerance and immunity. 

When to Seek Medical Advice 

Hay fever is generally a condition that is well managed at home and with over the counter treatment. However, it is important to know when it is best to seek medical advice. For example:

• Your symptoms have a big impact on your daily life. For many people this is because of the itchiness or runny nose. This may affect school/work or sleep.
• Over the counter treatments have not worked in managing your symptoms.
• You have other health conditions that may make the hay fever worse.
• You are unsure about how to manage your symptoms and you would like guidance from a healthcare professional. 

Can You Develop Hay Fever Later in Life?

Yes, although hay fever is often diagnosed in children or teenagers, you can still develop hay fever later in life. Even if you did not have any symptoms of hay fever as a child, it does not mean you cannot get hay fever. This is because hay fever is linked to an underlying hypersensitivity to certain allergens such as pollen. There are some factors that might make you more likely to develop hay fever later in life:

• If you have been exposed to increased levels of allergens such as pollen and dust. For example, this could be from moving to a new environment with high levels of pollution and pollen.
• You have family history of: allergies, asthma, or eczema. This is because the hypersensitivity to pollen that causes hay fever often has a familial link.
• You may have experienced changes to your immune system sensitivity over the years.