Basic background and information about Hay fever

Hay Fever


Hay fever, which affects 20% of the population, is an allergic reaction to pollen in the air. Pollen grains, which are invisisible, are shed by grasses and trees into the air.

Hay fever usually lasts from mid May to mid July, peaking in mid June. Those allergic to tree pollens (Yew, Hazel, Elm, Birch) suffer in springtime. Those allergic to grass pollens suffer worse from mid May to mid July. And people allergic to nettles, fungi and moulds suffer later, in autumn.

Hay fever includes sneezing, nasal itchiness, runny nose, nasal blockage and red, itchy, watering eyes. Palate and throat irritation, and symptoms of asthma wheeziness, cough and shortness of breath, can also be present.

It usually starts in the under twenties and decreases in middle age. It is increasing in suffers, especially in cities, which is due to increasing levels of pollution by the gas emitted in car exhaust fumes, nitrous oxide. This gas causes increased sensitivity of the nose and eyes to pollen.

Hay fever is more common in boys than in girls and also in people who were:
  • Born between January and June
  • Bottle fed
  • Born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy
  • Fed on cow's milk during their first 12 months
  • Sufferers of asthma and eczema


* Hay fever causes the loss of 4 million working days each year! Hay fever, can be prevented keeping one's house and car windows closed, especially early morning and late evening, and wearing glasses or sun glasses to prevent pollen grains hitting the eyes.

Treatment must be started before symptoms are expected. So start in late April and continue throughout the hay fever season. Treatment should consist of antihistamine tablets alongwith inhaled nasal steroid sprays. Antihistamines relieve congestion and irritation, and steroid inhalers, which are safe, reduce inflammation. The new antihistamines, e.g. Clarityn, Triludan or Seldane, Zirtec and Hismanal, do not cause drowsiness. Popular steroid sprays include Beconase, Syntaris and Flixonase are only available on prescription.

IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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