A Doctor's Guide To Managing The Hay Fever Season

Hay Fever Season Overview and Quick Relief Tips

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, happens when your body reacts to pollen in the air.

Here is what you need to know:

• It is most common in the UK and across Europe from March to September.
• It can cause sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy eyes, and an itchy throat.
• Symptoms are often worse when the pollen count is high, especially on dry and windy days.
• It is not catching, so you cannot pass it to someone else.
• It is different from a common cold.
• Most people can manage it with treatment from a pharmacy and by avoiding excessive pollen exposure.
• Get urgent medical help if you have trouble breathing or your face starts to swell.

If your symptoms last a long time or feel very bad, speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice.

What Is Hay Fever Allergic Rhinitis Explained

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is an allergy. It happens when your immune system overreacts to harmless things in the air, most often pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.

When you breathe in pollen, your body thinks it is a threat. Your immune system releases a chemical called histamine. This causes swelling and irritation inside your nose and eyes. It also makes your nose produce more mucus.

Hay fever is not caused by a virus or bacteria, like a cold. It is not contagious, so you cannot catch it from someone else. It is usually a seasonal allergy, meaning it occurs at certain times of the year. Some people may have symptoms for longer, depending on the trigger of their allergy.

Symptoms can be mild for some people. For others, they can be more serious. You might have a blocked nose, poor sleep, trouble concentrating, or, worse, asthma during high-pollen season.

Symptoms often come back at the same time each year. This depends on which type of pollen you are allergic to. Knowing your triggers can help you start treatment early and manage symptoms before the pollen count rises.

Hay Fever Symptoms in Adults Including Itchy Eyes and Blocked Nose

Hay fever can affect your nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses. Symptoms usually start soon after you are around pollen. They often get worse when the pollen count is high.

Most Common Symptoms

• Frequent sneezing.
• Runny nose with clear mucus.
• Blocked or stuffy nose.
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes.
• Itchy throat, nose, or the roof of your mouth.

Nose And Sinus Symptoms

• Mucus dripping down the back of your throat, this is called postnasal drip.
• Pressure around your cheeks or forehead.
• Facial discomfort.
• Reduced sense of smell.

General Symptoms

• Cough caused by an itchy throat.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired, often because your sleep is disturbed.
• Finding it hard to concentrate during peak pollen season

For many adults, symptoms follow the same pattern each year. Tree pollen often causes problems in early spring. Grass pollen is common in late spring and early summer. Weed pollen usually affects people later in the summer.

If your symptoms only last a few days and you also have a fever or body aches, it may be a cold instead. Hay fever symptoms usually last longer and come back at the same time each year.

When Is Hay Fever Season Pollen Calendar and Peak Months

In the UK and much of Europe, hay fever season usually lasts from early spring to early autumn. The exact timing can change depending on the weather and where you live.

Your symptoms often depend on the type of pollen you are allergic to. Knowing your trigger can help you prepare and start treatment early.

Pollen Type	Typical Months (UK & Northern Europe)	Notes
Tree pollen	March to mid-May	Birch, alder, and hazel are common triggers
Grass pollen	Mid-May to July	The most common cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Weed pollen	Late June to September	Includes mugwort and ragweed

How Weather Affects Symptoms

The pollen count changes with the weather:

• Dry, warm, and windy days spread more pollen in the air.
• Rain can temporarily lower pollen levels.
• Thunderstorms can break pollen into tiny pieces, which may make symptoms worse for some people.

Checking your local pollen forecast during peak months can help you plan outdoor activities. If your symptoms usually start at the same time each year, beginning treatment before that time may help you stay in better control during the season.

How to Reduce Pollen Exposure Today During Hay Fever Season

Keeping away from pollen can really help your hay fever symptoms. Small daily changes during hay fever season can make a big difference.

Daily Exposure Reduction Checklist

• Check the pollen forecast before spending a long time outside.
• Try to stay indoors when pollen levels are highest, usually early morning and evening.
• Keep windows closed at home and in the car when the pollen count is high.
• Shower and change your clothes after being outside to wash off pollen.
• Dry clothes indoors instead of on an outdoor washing line.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen.
• Vacuum often and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to reduce pollen indoors.

Bedroom Changes For Night Symptoms

Many adults feel worse at night because pollen is carried into the home during the day.

• Change your pillowcase often during peak season.
• Do not leave clothes you wore outside in the bedroom.
• Keep bedroom windows closed when the pollen count is high.

Sleeping better can help reduce tiredness and improve focus during the day.

For mild hay fever, reducing pollen exposure may be enough. If your symptoms continue even after trying these steps, you may need medication for better control.

Hay Fever Treatment Options Step by Step Antihistamines and Nasal Sprays

The best treatment for hay fever depends on how bad your symptoms are and how much they affect your daily life. Many adults start with medicine from a pharmacy. Some people may need prescription treatment if symptoms are not controlled.

Treatment works best when started early in the season, before symptoms become severe.

Step 1: Mild Or Occasional Symptoms

This step is suitable if your symptoms are mild or occur only occasionally.

Options include:

• Non-drowsy antihistamine tablets.
• Antihistamine nasal sprays.
• Antihistamine eye drops for itchy or watery eyes.

Antihistamines can help with sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. They may not work as well for a very blocked nose.

Step 2: Persistent Or Moderate Symptoms

If you have symptoms most days or your sleep is disturbed, daily treatment is usually better.

First choice treatment:

• A steroid nasal spray is used once a day

These sprays reduce swelling inside the nose. They are often the most effective treatment for a blocked nose and overall symptom control.

They need to be used every day, not just when symptoms get worse. It can take a few days before you notice improvement. Using the spray correctly helps it work better and reduces irritation.

Step 3: If Symptoms Are Not Controlled

If your symptoms continue even after using pharmacy treatments properly:

• You may need more than one type of treatment.
• The dose may need adjusting.
• A prescription nasal spray or other medicine may be needed.
• A doctor may check for other possible causes.

If you have asthma and hay fever, it is important to manage both carefully. Poorly controlled hay fever can worsen asthma symptoms.

Symptom	Often Responds To	Most Effective Option
Sneezing and itching	Oral antihistamine	Intranasal steroid
Blocked nose	Nasal spray	Intranasal steroid
Itchy, watery eyes	Eye drops	Antihistamine drops
Night disturbance	Daily control therapy	Consistent steroid spray use

If your symptoms are still troublesome after two to four weeks of proper treatment, or they affect your work and daily life, speak to a GP for further advice.

Hay Fever vs Cold Differences and How to Tell the Cause

Hay fever and a common cold can feel similar at first. Both can cause a runny or blocked nose and sneezing. However, the cause and the duration they last differ.

Hay fever is an allergy to pollen. A cold is caused by a virus.

Key Differences

Feature	Hay Fever	Common Cold
Cause	Immune reaction to pollen	Viral infection
Fever	Rare	Sometimes present
Itchy eyes	Common	Uncommon
Duration	Weeks or months during the season	Usually 7 to 10 days
Pattern	Returns at the same time each year	Random, after exposure to the virus
Nasal discharge	Clear and watery	May thicken and change colour

Signs That Suggest Hay Fever

• Symptoms start during peak pollen season.
• Symptoms get worse outdoors on dry or windy days.
• You have itchy eyes or an itchy throat.
• Symptoms improve after rain or when you stay indoors.

Signs That Suggest A Cold

• Fever, body aches, or feeling generally unwell.
• Symptoms improve within one to two weeks.
• Thick nasal mucus after a few days.
• Recent close contact with someone who is unwell.

If symptoms last longer than two weeks, recur at the same time each year, or worsen when the pollen count is high, hay fever is more likely.

If you are unsure or if you have severe symptoms or trouble breathing, seek medical advice.

Hay Fever and Asthma How Allergic Rhinitis Affects Breathing

Hay fever and asthma often happen together. Both are allergic conditions that affect your airways. Hay fever affects your nose, and asthma affects your lungs. If your nose is swollen and irritated, it can make your lungs more sensitive too.

When hay fever is poorly controlled, asthma symptoms can worsen during pollen season.

This may include:

• More wheezing.
• Chest tightness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Needing to use your reliever inhaler more often.

If you have asthma, treating your hay fever properly is an important part of keeping your breathing stable.

Why Pollen Can Trigger Asthma

Pollen can make your airways extra sensitive. When the pollen count is high, especially on dry or windy days, asthma flare-ups may happen more often.

Thunderstorms during peak pollen season can also make breathing problems worse for some people.

Practical Advice If You Have Asthma

• Keep using your preventer inhaler as prescribed.
• Watch your symptoms closely during high pollen periods.
• Start hay fever treatment early in the season.
• Speak to a healthcare professional if wheezing or night symptoms increase.

If you have severe breathing difficulty, ongoing chest tightness, or your reliever inhaler is not helping, seek urgent medical care.

When to See a Doctor for Hay Fever and Warning Signs

Most people can manage hay fever with pharmacy treatment and by avoiding pollen. However, sometimes you may need medical advice.

Speak To A Clinician If

• Your symptoms continue after two to four weeks of proper treatment.
• A blocked nose is badly affecting your sleep or concentration.
• Symptoms make it hard to work, drive, or manage daily tasks.
• You need to use medication often, but still feel poorly controlled.
• You are not sure if it is hay fever or another condition.

Seek Urgent Medical Care If You Develop

• Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
• Difficulty breathing or chest tightness.
• Severe wheezing.
• Feeling faint or collapsing.

These signs could mean a serious allergic reaction and need emergency care straight away.

When An Online Consultation May Help

An Online Consultation may be suitable for adults who:

• Have ongoing symptoms that are not improving with pharmacy treatment.
• Need advice about prescription treatment.
• Have hay fever and asthma that are worse during pollen season.
• Are unsure if their symptoms are caused by an allergy.

During an assessment, a clinician can review your symptoms, current treatment, and inhaler use if needed. They can then advise you on the next steps.

Mobi Doctor can support adults with hay fever through a simple Online Consultation. A clinician can review your symptoms, current treatment, and asthma control if relevant. You can receive personalised advice and, where appropriate, prescription treatment to help improve symptom control during pollen season.