What should you know about hay fever allergy?

Pollen, dust, mould, or animal allergens can irritate the lining of the nose and upper airways. Symptoms may include a runny or blocked nose, repeated sneezing, an itchy throat, cough, reduced smell, and watery eyes. Hay fever is not the same as an infection, so it does not usually cause thick infected discharge or a persistent high temperature. Poor sleep and mouth breathing can leave you tired during the day.

Some people with hay fever also have allergic conjunctivitis or asthma. Ongoing nasal blockage can contribute to sinus symptoms, ear pressure, or snoring, but another condition may be responsible when symptoms persist.

Notice when symptoms appear and reduce exposure where practical: keep windows closed during high-pollen periods, change clothes after outdoor activities, and rinse the face or hair if pollen is irritating you. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on a non-drowsy antihistamine, a nasal spray, or eye drops. Use nasal sprays with the correct technique and allow time for regular treatment to work. Review the plan if symptoms disrupt sleep, exercise, school, or work.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are new, severe, present throughout the year, or not controlled with pharmacy measures. Seek urgent help for wheezing, severe breathlessness, blue lips, swelling of the mouth or throat, or difficulty speaking in full sentences. Sudden breathing symptoms need an asthma assessment rather than being attributed to hay fever alone.

Ask which allergen is most likely, whether your symptoms fit allergic rhinitis, and which treatment is suitable with your medicines or pregnancy status. Also ask how to recognise asthma or sinusitis symptoms.