Diagnosis & Specialist Care of Allergy & Clinical Immunology - Since 1982
Welcome to our page on pollen allergies, commonly known as hay fever.
Whether you're sneezing through the spring or suffering itchy eyes in the summer, we are here to help you understand and manage your symptoms. The world of pollen allergies is more involved than you might imagine. Understanding your condition and exactly what is triggering it is the first step to keep your symptoms at bay.
The Pollen Season: When Does It Begin & End?
The pollen season in the UK can start as early as late February/March and usually stretches until the end of summer, although in some cases it can go on until autumn. This extensive period covers the time when various plants release their pollen into the air, triggering allergies in susceptible individuals.
There is evidence to suggest that urban pollution and climate change may extend the pollen season, making it even more challenging for those affected.
Different Types of Pollen Allergies
Pollen allergies are diverse, and the type of pollen you're sensitive to can determine when you experience the worst of your symptoms. Allergy testing is therefore very important to help determine which pollen is responsible for the symptoms, and this can also impact how the allergy is treated. The main pollen offenders are: trees, grass & weeds.
Tree Pollen
With tree pollen allergies, you might react to pollen from trees such as:
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London Plane Tree
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Silver Birch
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Cypress Tree
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Beech or Ash.
Typically February - May
Grass Pollen
This is the most common cause of hay fever and includes varieties like:
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Timothy Grass
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Bermuda Grass
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Perennial Rye Grass
Typically May - July
Weed Pollen
Common causes of hay fever from Weeds are:
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Mugwort
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Nettle
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Hemp
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Russian Thistle
Typically July - September
Symptoms of Pollen Allergies
Pollen allergies often lead to rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis. For some people, these symptoms are just a mild nuisance and can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines. However, for others, hay fever can be a debilitating condition. Severe symptoms can interrupt your work, disrupt your sleep, and leave you feeling exhausted.
The constant barrage of symptoms can make it difficult to function in your daily life, significantly affecting your productivity and overall well-being.
Itchy nose
Blocked nose sensation
Runny nose
Sneezing
Stuffy sensation
Itchy throat & mouth
Itchy, red & watering eyes