Managing Hay Fever Symptoms: A complete Guide

Since hay fever was discovered in 1819, numerous medicines have been introduced to cure it. However, no permanent solution has been found yet. Worry not – you can still combat it. This blog takes you through the possible management options so you can lead a carefree and enjoyable time outdoors. Read on to learn more!

What Causes Hay Fever?

In the UK, hay fever is considered to be the most common allergy that people face. Pollen grains are primarily responsible for this. During spring, the majority of flowers undergo their reproductive maturity when there is ample sunlight.

This triggers them to release pollen in their surroundings. Below is a list of pollen types that you must know.

• Tree pollen, released mainly during spring
• Grass pollen, released between springtime and summer
• Weed pollen, liberated in late autumn

Symptoms of Hay Fever: Explained

The signs generally vary between individuals. However, with age, the intensity dips down. Here are some common symptoms to expect if you are infected with hay fever.

• Frequent urge to sneeze
• Nasal passages blocked with phlegm
• Irritation in the eyes, often associated with redness
• Runny eyes and nose
• Persistent itchiness in the throat, mouth, ears and nose
• Frequent coughs due to postnasal drip

Some of the less common symptoms are as follows:

• Loss of smell
• Ache in the facial muscles
• Persistent headaches
• Ear pain
• Unexplained tiredness and feeling of run-down

How Long Does Hay Fever Last?

The duration for which hay fever symptoms remain differs from one individual to another. For some, it may be a few days or weeks; for others, the signs stay for months. Also, the reactions can turn severe, leading to potential complications. The length of your symptoms will depend on how much pollen you have been exposed to. For your convenience, we have crafted a simplified pollen calendar below. Read out and determine which type of pollen is present at different times of the year. This will aid you in grasping the concept of allergies better.

• Spring (From March till early April)
  

In the presence of sunlight, the reproductive cycles of trees, grass and weeds are activated, which leads to pollen release. These may give you painful sinuses and a persistent cough.

• Summer (May, June, July, and August)
  

Grass and weed pollen are at their peak during these months. This leads to extreme symptoms, such as eye itchiness and frequent watering.  

• Autumn (From September to mid-November)
  

The pollen count decelerates during this period. However, weed pollen remains, resulting in a continuity of symptoms.

• Winter (From December up to late February)
  

Tree pollen season resumes in January, leading to symptoms like nose blockages, sore throats, and sneezes. These are similar to the signs of being infected with the common cold.

How Do I confirm the presence of Hay Fever?

Hay fever can be challenging to diagnose. This is due to its overlapping nature with the symptoms of common cold and seasonal illnesses. Additionally, hay fever may also develop in later stages of life. Thus, many people who did not suffer from an allergy before may not understand if they are affected by hay fever later. Worry not; we have many reputed Private GPs in South Kensington to help you obtain a quick diagnosis. Also, they will develop a customised treatment approach to ease your symptoms (if present).

Once you confirm you have hay fever, it is crucial to understand which type of pollen you are most allergic to. There are a myriad of pollen types, each released at specific times of the year. We have provided a detailed explanation of the most prevalent types so you can better manage the symptoms if you contract one.

Tree Pollen

• Birch: Found mostly in lightly wooded areas. Peak time: March to June.
• Oak: Found in low woodland areas. Pollen release occurs between March and June, with the most during May.
• Pine: They are characterised by their needle-shaped leaves. Prevalent during April and June, with the peak season being May.
• Alder: Generally found in damped areas. Pollen is released between January and April.
• Willow: Mostly found along riverside regions. They release pollen towards February and April.

Weed Pollen

This is released almost all the year. However, it is most common between April and September.

• Ragweed: Characterised by upright leaves with fern-like morphology. These are often found on rubbish lands and uncultivated grasslands.
• Dock: Available in meadows and sparsely on coastal areas. These are known for their large-sized leaves and reddish stems.
    
• Mugwort: These concentrate in hedgerows and are recognised by their red/brown colour.
• Plantain or banana: These are short plants commonly found in roadside areas. 

Grass Pollen

This is the most common type to cause hay fever. Grass pollen is mainly released during May but peaks during June and July. During the end of September, the intensity falls.

How to Manage Hay Fever?

Fortunately, there are several methods to relieve hay fever symptoms. However, which treatment will suit you the most depends on your condition’s severity and lifestyle. The best you can do is create a proper routine that combines your relief treatment with exposure to the outdoors. Here are some effective methods enlisted that can help you to tackle the warmer months confidently.

1. Hay Fever Injection
   

It is the most effective way to arrest hay fever symptoms. The best thing is that you will not need any repetitive treatments - only one injection will suffice for the entire season. You will be jabbed in one of your large muscles, allowing the steroid to flow through the bloodstream and not around the body. Consider scheduling your appointment with a private GP in South Kensington, and get the freedom to enjoy outside!

2. Antihistamines
   

These medicines disrupt your body’s allergic response mechanism. Commonly available in the form of tablets and liquids, they can help manage hay fever symptoms. However, it is better to seek advice from a medical professional regarding the frequency of usage.  

3. Nasal Sprays
   

Pollen often inflames the nasal lining, leading to a blocked nose. In such cases, you can use a nasal spray to loosen the mucus. A wide range of nasal sprays are available commercially - use them according to your symptoms’ severity. Generally, doctors prescribe nasal sprays, along with antihistamines, for better results.

4. Dry Your Clothes Indoors
   

Do not leave your clothes out to dry. The wind carries pollen which may stick to the fabric, giving you potential allergies. Also, they will be spread indoors, triggering the rest, one by one. To minimise pollen exposure inside your home, consider drying your clothes indoors.

5. Groom Your Pets
   

Pollen may stick to your pet’s fur while they play outside. Thus, wiping their coat with a soft, dampened cloth before they return indoors is essential. The water will help clear the remaining pollen from their skin folds and fur.

Conclusion

Now that you are enriched with information regarding hay fever, bring back the confidence within. Enjoy every season to your fullest by maintaining the simple steps enlisted above and most importantly, do not miss out on the regular health checks. For personalised guidance and treatments, see a Private GP near you.