Home > News >

What is Hay Fever?

Dandelion losing seeds in the wind
Written by

Content by

Medically approved by

Authored by

Last Updated

Last Updated

Table of Contents

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction to pollen that affects millions in the UK.
In fact, around one in four adults and one in 10 children suffer from hay fever, with symptoms ranging from sneezing and itchy eyes to blocked noses and fatigue.
But why does hay fever happen, and what exactly triggers it? In this blog post, we’ll break down what hay fever is and why it occurs, as well as the key symptoms to watch out for and the best type of hay fever treatment.

 

What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne pollen, which causes your immune system to overreact and release histamine.  

This reaction causes symptoms of hay fever, such as: 

  • Sneezing 
  • Itchy, watery eyes 
  • Coughing  
  • Fatigue  
  • Headaches  
  • Wheezing  
  • Blocked or runny nose  
  • Sore, itchy throat 

The higher the pollen count, the more likely you are to have hay fever symptoms.  

Pollen counts are measured as the number of pollen grains per cubic metre of air. These are the tiny, powdery particles produced by plants that are essential for their reproduction. 

Hay fever is prevalent at specific times of the year. In the UK, this is between March and September, especially with humid and windy weather conditions.  

Is it Allergies or a Cold?

When it comes to hay fever, one of the most common questions is how can I tell if it's allergies or a cold?   

Symptoms can appear quite similar; however, hay fever tends to flare up seasonally in the spring and summer months. A cold, on the other hand, happens all year round but especially in the winter months.  

When the pollen count is high, hay fever symptoms can last for several weeks, while a cold typically tends to last for up to a week.  

What Does Hay Fever Feel Like?

Hay fever can mimic the symptoms of a cold, causing a runny or blocked nose that leads to congestion. Your eyes may become watery, itchy, puffy, and red. You might also experience frequent sneezing, a sore and itchy throat, and an overall feeling of being unwell. 

Is Hay Fever Deadly?

No, hay fever is not classed as a deadly condition and doesn’t tend to cause serious health issues. However, in very rare and extreme cases, an asthma attack can be triggered by hay fever for some people.

Is Hay Fever Genetic?

Yes, if one or both of your parents have allergies, you’re more likely to develop hay fever. Inherited genetic traits can affect how your immune system responds to allergens.  

This means that some people are genetically predisposed to have an overactive immune system, causing them to react to harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. 

Hay fever is also linked to a genetic tendency to develop allergic reactions. Both eczema and asthma share this tendency and are influenced by genes related to the immune system, which is why people with these conditions are more likely to have hay fever too.  

What is Hay Fever Cough?

If you’re constantly coughing because of hay fever, it is likely to be caused by a postnasal drip. This is the production of excess mucus in the nose, which drips down the back of the throat, causing irritation and triggering a persistent, dry cough.  

Mild airway inflammation can also trigger this cough. It should pass eventually, but if it is persistent, it could be caused by asthma or another respiratory condition.  

What are Hay Fever Eyes?

Hay fever eyes can be one of the most irritating symptoms of the condition. The histamine reaction causes eyes to become inflamed and swollen, with an increase in tear production. This leaves your eyes feeling sore, red, and itchy.  

The good news is that there are a few ways to avoid hay fever eyes. If you’re heading outdoors, protect your eyes by wearing wraparound sunglasses. Antihistamine eye drops are effective in preventing reactions and reducing redness. If they’re not for you, an antihistamine tablet is an excellent alternative. It is taken orally, typically once a day, which makes it a convenient choice if you’re busy and need something that works quickly. 

What is Hay Fever Rash?

Just as inflammation, itching, and swelling affect the eyes and nose, the skin can experience similar reactions. 

Hives are a common type of hay fever rash that causes raised, itchy, red bumps that come and go. On the contrary, hay fever can sometimes make the skin feel itchy, which, if scratched, can cause a rash too.  

You may also experience a rash flare-up after being outdoors if your skin comes into direct contact with pollen. Antihistamines such as Fexofenadine Tablets 180mg can be used to treat hives or itchy skin that lasts for 6 weeks or more. Using antihistamines for itching may be unsuitable for you to use if you have a long-term condition, so it's always best to check with a medical professional first.  

What is Hay Fever Sore Throat?

This type of sore throat is not caused by an infection but rather by irritation from allergens.  

Pollen can trigger a combination of postnasal drip, dryness, and allergic inflammation, which leaves your throat feeling dry and sore.  

Hydration is key when it comes to managing a sore throat, drink plenty of water, and add natural hay fever remedies such as honey and lemon.  

Throat lozenges and sprays can help with numbing, but if you’re still finding it to be bothersome, try an oral antihistamine such as Loratadine or Desloratadine 5mg Tablets.  

What is Hay Fever Wheezing?

When allergic inflammation affects your airways, it makes it harder to breathe, causing you to wheeze.  

As you take in allergens, your immune system releases histamine, which leads to swelling and the tightening of your airways. This can leave you with chest tightness or shortness of breath.  

If you have asthma or a sensitivity to airborne allergens like pollen and dust mites, you may notice that you’re more prone to a hay fever asthma cough, and wheezing during the hay fever season.  

At night, wheezing and coughing are usually caused by postnasal drip, where mucus drips down the back of your throat, irritating your airways. 

What is a Hay Fever Blocked Nose?

When hay fever hits, one of the most common complaints is how difficult it is to breathe through the nose.  

Nasal congestion is caused by the reaction to pollen, which releases histamine. This makes your nasal passages swell, leaving you struggling to breathe properly.  

Thick and sticky mucus is produced by your body, too, so it can trap allergens and flush them out. This, along with the expansion of blood vessels in the nasal passages, makes your blocked nose feel much worse.  

So understandably, one of the first things you’d want to know when feeling bunged up and groggy is how to unblock a nose from hay fever. 

One of the most effective ways is by using a hay fever blocked nose treatment. They contain a powerful steroid, which targets swelling and irritation in the nasal passage.  

Antihistamine tablets are also effective, as well as increasing moisture by inhaling steam or using a humidifier.

Summary

If you experience sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy eyes, or a sore throat during allergy season, you may be dealing with hay fever. 

Allergies can be frustrating, but understanding the symptoms, triggers, and treatments can help you manage them.  

Thankfully, our full range of treatments, from antihistamines to nasal sprays, can provide relief. Chemist Click offers convenient, fast, and reliable allergy medicines so you can take control of your symptoms today.  

Sources


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.

Our website uses Cookies to improve the user experience, display personalised content and track your usage (analytics). You can set your preferences here.