All you need to know about hay fever in the UK 

11th April 2024

All you need to know about hay fever in the UK 

As the weather battles to transition into spring, many of us are likely to start finding ourselves grappling with the unwelcome symptoms of hay fever. Unlike the common cold, hay fever stems from an allergic reaction to pollen, which varies in type and intensity throughout the year. 

If you struggle with hay fever every year, you’re not alone. Alternatively, a recent change may have triggered a new experience for you. 49% of the UK report yearly had hay fever symptoms, making it one of the most common allergies. Understanding the different pollen seasons and their impact on hay fever is essential to help you find relief.

Common hayfever and pollen allergen signs

Hay fever and pollen allergies share some common symptoms with the common cold. However, there are some distinct signs that help distinguish between them. The key symptoms of hay fever include:

• Sneezing and coughing
• A runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
• Loss of smell
• Forehead pain
• Headaches
• Fatigue

During the peak season, hay fever symptoms can worsen, especially when it’s warm, humid, and windy and the pollen count is high. Unlike a cold, hay fever can last for several weeks or even months.

Pollen calendar

The UK hay fever season is extensive, beginning as early as January and lasting until autumn. The primary culprits behind hay fever are tree, grass, and weed pollens. These peak at different times of the year and are heavily influenced by geographical location and weather patterns.

The hay fever season usually starts with tree pollen and lasts from late March to mid-May. It affects around 25% of hay fever sufferers.

Grass pollen is the most common trigger and typically peaks twice, from mid-May to July. Its impact varies depending on weather conditions and can often intensify symptoms for many.

Finally, weed pollen completes the hay fever cycle from the end of June to September.

Regional variations and weather impact on hay fever 

The timing and severity of hay fever symptoms can vary significantly depending on where you are in the UK. The north tend to have a later start and shorter pollen seasons due to generally lower pollen levels. Cities have lower pollen counts than out in the country, while seaside towns are less affected than inland areas.

The weather also plays a crucial role in pollen production and dispersal. Temperature fluctuations, rainfall, and wind not only determine the start and end of pollen seasons but also day-to-day pollen counts. Unpredictable spring weather and warm early summers can lead to higher pollen production, worsening hay fever symptoms for many.

3 common culprits of hay fever

Three types of tree pollen—birch, oak, and grass pollen —are commonly associated with allergies during the pollen season.

Birch pollen is a major source of pollen in the UK and is released between March and June. It is one of the most common triggers of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) during the spring.

Oak trees also contribute significantly to the pollen count, especially in late spring and early summer. Although oak pollen is less allergenic than birch pollen, it can still cause symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Grass pollen, although not a tree, is also worth mentioning as it is one of the most common allergens affecting a large number of people during the summer months. Other sources of tree pollen, such as plane and ash trees, also contribute to the pollen count, but to a lesser extent in terms of widespread allergies, after birch and oak.

Testing for pollen allergies

The pollen seasons can be complicated, and every individual reacts differently to various types of pollen. This can make managing hay fever symptoms on your own seem like a difficult task.

However, identifying your specific triggers is a crucial next step towards finding relief.

By taking a test to determine the exact cause of your hay fever, a targeted management strategy can be developed. Why not take a test today? Our experts will be with you every step of the way, providing medication or suggesting lifestyle adjustments to offer you relief and help you understand your triggers.

Navigating through hay fever season can be challenging, but you’re not on this journey alone. Ready to take the next step toward clearer days? Register as a new patient with us today, and let’s embark on a path to better manage your hay fever and pollen allergens. Whether you opt for a comprehensive evaluation at our London-based allergy clinic or prefer the convenience of our home allergy test, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

When is allergy season? And why is it lasting longer?

16th February 2022

When is allergy season? And why is it lasting longer?

For anyone with a pollen allergy, certain times of the year can be a bit uncomfortable. These seasonal allergies crop up annually and are a miserable time of runny noses, watery eyes, and scratchy throats. If you have one, such as hay fever, you know how much of a pain they can be.

But did you know there are actually a few different seasonal allergies? People are typically only allergic to a certain type of pollen – most typically grass – but tree and weed pollen allergies exist too and can cause just as much trouble.

So when can you expect these allergies to appear? And why do they seem to be happening earlier and lasting longer?

Different types of pollen allergy

As we mentioned, there are three common pollen allergies:

• Tree pollen
• Grass pollen
• Weed pollen

In the UK, tree pollen is often the first, turning up around March and lasting until mid-May. Then you’re likely to see grass pollen last from here until July. At which point weed pollen kicks in until September.

This isn’t a guarantee as it will depend on where you are geographically. For example, colder or more urban environments might see less grass pollen because, well, there’s less grass. And it’s normal for people by the coast to have fewer symptoms for the same reason.

So your allergies will only start up in the appropriate season. If you notice hay-fever-like symptoms in September, it could well be a weed pollen allergy.

Climate change

But some people are noticing their symptoms start earlier and last longer. And it has been theorised that this is due to climate change. It makes sense; changing weather patterns will affect when plants distribute their pollen.

Trees tend to disperse their pollen in spring because the weather gets warmer and they can start to blossom. But if climate change is leading to milder winters around February time, then it stands to reason that they’ll release their pollen sooner.

This has the same impact at the tail end of the pollen seasons. If it stays warmer well into the autumn months, weed still has the perfect environment to release theirs. Some even think that pollen could be present for practically the entire year.

That’s before getting into invasive species. If the UK gets warmer, it could be a good place for foreign plants, like ragweed, to take hold. They can disperse a billion grains of pollen per season and cause strong reactions.

Thankfully, pollen allergies can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. But you should always follow the advice of your doctor. Don’t take medication you aren’t sure you need. Talk to them first to find out more. Even better, talk to an allergy specialist who can test you for potential allergies, such as hay fever.

Our team of allergists has the knowledge and expertise to help you with any allergy woes. Register as a new patient or reach out to us on 02031 433 449.