Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. It can trigger sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and itchy eyes. It is normal for it to appear at the same time each year.
- Severe hay fever symptoms can ruin peoples’ summers and have a detrimental effect on quality of life. It may also prevent people from being able to work optimally.
- The UK is particularly affected by pollen with a mixture of flowers and trees such as silver birch and rape seed most likely to worsen symptoms of hay fever.
- It is estimated that there is 3 billion trees in the UK! Working out at nearly 50 trees per person.
Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Blocked or runny nose (Rhinorrhea)
- Itchy eyes, nose, throat and roof of your mouth
- Red eyes, which water
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat from the back of your nose) – this may make you cough
- Headaches, caused by a stuffy nose
- Self diagnosis
- GP may investigate if not typical
