With spring comes…an explosion of pollen.

Did you know that hay fever season has started already?  Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) can make your asthma or lung condition symptoms worse. Find out about hay fever, how it’s linked to air pollution and thunderstorms, and how you can treat it.

Here's some information from the Health advice team at Asthma + Lung UK

Spring is officially here! As we go into the first days of the new season with lighter evenings and fresh blossoms, it's also the time many of us start to feel the first signs of seasonal allergies. If you've noticed symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes around this time, it could be due to tree pollen, which is prevalent in early spring.  

Pollen can get into your mouth, nose and eyes. If you're allergic, it can trigger hay fever symptoms.

Hay fever symptoms include:

  • sneezing
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • itchy, red or watery eyes
  • swollen eyelids
  • itchy throat, nose, mouth, and ears
  • loss of smell
  • pain around the side of your head and forehead
  • headache
  • earache
  • feeling weak and tired.

Hay fever is usually worse between March and September because this is when the pollen count is at its highest.    

Did you know there are different types of pollen? 

There are around 30 different types of pollen that can cause hay fever. You can be allergic to more than one type of pollen.  The main types are tree, grass and weed pollen and these are higher at different points of the year. Some people are allergic to just one, while others are allergic to several kinds. Keeping a diary of when you get symptoms and what you were doing at the time might help you spot patterns so you can take steps to reduce your risk of your asthma symptoms being triggered. Our pollen calendar can help you be prepared.  

There's no way to avoid pollen altogether, but there's things you can do to lower your risk of developing symptoms. 

Below are some things you can do if the pollen count is high.

You can

  • take antihistamines to help with your hay fever symptoms
  • keep your reliever inhaler with you if you have one. If your symptoms get worse, use it straight away
  • use a saltwater nasal spray or solution to rinse the inside of your nose
  • shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after being outside. This will help wash any pollen off
  • keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
  • vacuum and dust your home with a damp cloth regularly
  • gently wipe pets down with a damp cloth to remove pollen from their fur
  • wear a mask, wraparound sunglasses or a hat with a large brim. This will help to stop pollen from getting into your eyes
  • put Vaseline (petroleum jelly) around your nostrils to trap pollen when you’re outside.  You should not do this if you are using home oxygen therapy.  

Try to avoid

  • spending too much time outside on very high pollen days
  • drying your clothes outside as they could get pollen on them  
  • cutting grass or walking on grass
  • smoking tobacco as it can make your symptoms worse. If you'd like to quit smoking, we have advice to help you stop
  • keeping fresh flowers in your home.

The Asthma & Lung UK team are here to help.

We have lots of expert health advice on our website to help you manage your spring allergies. If need extra support or you have any questions, our Helpline is here for you. Our expert nurses are on hand if you have any questions or need any extra support. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with them on 0300 222 5800. We're available Monday to Friday, 9.15am - 5pm.

For lots more information, guidance and advice, visit Asthma and Lung UK, by clicking here.