What should you know about hay fever and pollen allergy?

The immune system reacts to pollen particles after they enter the nose, eyes or throat. Symptoms may come and go with exposure and can be worse outdoors, during gardening, or when pollen is carried indoors on hair and clothing. Hay fever is also called seasonal allergic rhinitis, although symptoms can occur whenever a relevant plant releases pollen. Tiredness may follow poor sleep or ongoing congestion. Eye symptoms can occur alongside nasal symptoms, while wheezing or chest tightness needs separate attention because pollen can aggravate asthma.

Notice when symptoms flare and reduce exposure where practical: keep windows closed during high-pollen periods, change clothes after outdoor activities, and rinse your face or shower before bed. Saline nasal rinsing may clear irritants; use safe, clean water and follow product directions. A pharmacist or clinician can help choose an antihistamine, nasal spray or eye treatment suited to your age, pregnancy status and other medicines. Use nasal sprays with the correct technique and allow time for regular treatment to work. Avoid rubbing itchy eyes, which can worsen irritation.

Arrange a medical review if symptoms persist despite sensible self-care, disrupt sleep or daily activities, or are difficult to distinguish from infection. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, or rapidly worsening symptoms after exposure. A clinician can assess associated wheeze, prolonged cough, facial pain, fever or one-sided symptoms and consider related conditions such as asthma or sinusitis.

Ask which pollen or pattern best fits your symptoms, how to use a nasal spray correctly, whether your eye symptoms need separate treatment, and what to do if wheezing or night-time congestion develops.