Can hayfever be debilitating?

Hay fever (the medical term is seasonal allergic rhinitis) is a very common condition and often underestimated, although those that suffer severely know that the symptoms can be extremely debilitating. Hay fever can affect anyone at any time, from the very young to the very old.

What are the different types of hayfever?

Also known as allergic rhinitis, there are two types: seasonal, which happens only during the time of year in which certain plants pollinate, and perennial, which happens year-round. Typically, if you suffer from hay fever in the spring, you’re probably allergic to tree pollens.

What are the worst symptoms of hayfever?

Hay fever

• a runny or blocked nose.
• itchy, red or watery eyes.
• itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears.
• loss of smell.
• pain around your temples and forehead.
• headache.
• earache.
• feeling tired.

Can hayfever cause breathlessness?

Environmental allergies can affect your airway in unique ways: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) affects your nose and sinuses, and may cause sneezing, congestion, and an itchy nose and eyes. Asthma mainly affects your lungs, and may cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or rapid breathing.

What are the signs and symptoms of hay fever?

Hay fever signs and symptoms can include: Runny nose and nasal congestion. Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) Sneezing. Cough.

Is there a cure or treatment for hay fever?

There’s currently no cure for hay fever so it’s advised to seek medical advice on how best to manage your individual case of hay fever to reduce the severity of symptoms.

When to seek treatment for Hayfever in children?

Many people — especially children — get used to hay fever symptoms, so they might not seek treatment until the symptoms become severe. But getting the right treatment might offer relief. When you have hay fever, your immune system identifies a harmless airborne substance as harmful.

When does hay fever start in the northern hemisphere?

As spring moves into summer in the Northern hemisphere, millions of people will experience the familiar sneezing, runny eyes and itchy throat that signals the air is thick with pollen and the annual blight of hay fever is back.