Hay Fever Symptoms: From Mild to Severe

Table of Contents

• Key Points
• Mild Hay Fever
• Moderate Hay Fever
• Hay Fever Fatigue
• Earache
• Frequent Sneezing
• Hay Fever Cough
• Loss of Smell
• Itchiness: Nose, Throat, Ears, and Mouth
• Hay Fever Headache
• Red, Watery, or Itchy Eyes
• Pain Around Sinuses

Key Points

• Hay fever symptoms vary in intensity and can worsen over time 
• Severity depends on pollen exposure and your specific sensitivity 
• Severe hay fever can impact daily life and sleep 

Mild Hay Fever

Mild hay fever is that annoying but manageable mix of a runny nose, a bit of sneezing, and maybe slight itchiness around your eyes, which is just enough to be a nuisance but not enough to ruin your day.  

The good news is that mild allergies are manageable, and there are several ways to prevent and improve hay fever.  

Try keeping windows closed during high pollen times, rinsing your face after being outside, or using an over-the-counter antihistamine if things get a little too sniffly. 

Moderate Hay Fever

Moderate hay fever is when things start getting a little more annoying. Think constant sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and maybe even some fatigue from all that congestion.  

It’s not quite "stay in bed all day" bad, but it can mess with your focus and energy. If this sounds like you, it might be time to step up your allergy game. 

Try a daily antihistamine invest in a good air purifier to keep your home as pollen-free as possible. 

Hay Fever Fatigue

Hay fever fatigue is that exhausted, foggy-brained feeling that hits when allergy season rolls in, leaving you low on energy no matter how much you sleep.  

It happens because your immune system goes into overdrive, treating harmless pollen like an invader and releasing histamines that trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, as well as inflammation and fatigue.  

On top of that, blocked sinuses can wreck your sleep, and some antihistamines make you even sleepier. If you’re prone to hay fever, you might feel sluggish, irritable, and just plain wiped out.  

It’s worth reviewing your hay fever medication if you notice an increase in fatigue. First-generation antihistamines are more likely to make you feel drowsy, so try non-drowsy antihistamine tablets like Loratadine instead. This powerful once-daily hay fever tablet is a popular choice for relieving symptoms, as highlighted in our Loratadine reviews, with many users giving it five-star ratings. 

Earache

When pollen triggers your allergies, your sinuses and Eustachian tubes, which are the tiny passages connecting your ears and throat, can become blocked with mucus.  

This causes pressure, pain, and even temporary hearing issues. It can feel like a dull ache, a sense of fullness, or even sharp twinges in the ear. To ease the discomfort, try inhaling steam, fast-acting antihistamines, and a warm compress to reduce congestion.  

Nasal sprays and decongestants can also help open those blocked tubes and relieve pressure. As tempting as it may be, avoid poking around in your ear. If the pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, or comes with fever or hearing loss, check in with a doctor to rule out an infection. 

Frequent Sneezing

Frequent sneezing starts as your body tries to clear out irritants from your nose. It can feel like an itchy, tingling sensation in your nose, followed by back-to-back sneezes that leave you feeling wiped out.  

If sneezing is driving you crazy, minimising your exposure to pollen can help reduce or stop it altogether. You should wash your face and change out of clothing worn outside because this helps to remove lingering allergens.  

Don’t forget to keep your windows closed and if you need extra support when it comes to relief, try a saline nasal spray or antihistamine tablets. 

Hay Fever Cough

A hay fever cough happens when pollen irritates your throat and airways, causing inflammation and postnasal drip. Mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat, which can leave your throat feeling dry, tickly, and constantly in need of clearing. 

To calm the cough, stay hydrated, which helps to thin out mucus. You can soothe irritation by drinking herbal teas with honey. If your cough lasts for weeks, gets worse at night, or comes with wheezing, check with your GP to rule out asthma or other conditions. 

Loss of Smell

Pollen can trigger inflammation in your nasal passages, causing swelling and excess mucus that block your olfactory receptors. This is the part of your nose responsible for detecting smells.  

It’s often linked to a blocked nose, sinus congestion and postnasal drip, which can make everything feel stuffy. 

Itchiness: Nose, Throat, Ears, and Mouth

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.