When is hay fever season uk

Most people with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen, and peak times are May to July. Some are allergic to tree pollen at its peak in March to May ; others to weed pollen highest in July to September ; and really unlucky people react to all three. The delicate lining of the nose and eyes has cells designed to fight off invaders into the body, like germs. In hay fever, they respond to contact with pollen by releasing chemicals, including histamines.

Sometimes the same chemicals, which cause inflammation and irritation, can be released by cells at the back of the throat or the sinuses.

The result is sneezing, blocked or runny nose, itching and watering eyes. Less commonly, it can lead to headaches , loss of smell and pain over the sinuses behind the forehead or the cheekbones.

Hay fever is an 'atopic' condition, meaning it affects people who have a tendency to allergies. Other atopic conditions include eczema and asthma. Having one of these conditions increases your risk of others, and severe hay fever can trigger asthma symptoms.

Some people only get asthma during hay fever season. As the warmer weather sets in and pollen counts spike, those who suffer with hay fever are plagu Avoiding pollen where possible can make a huge difference to symptoms.

Weather reports often carry details of the next day's pollen count - you may want to stay indoors when it's high with the windows closed. Remember, it's grass you mostly want to avoid if you suffer in summer.

Fields of bright yellow rapeseed oil are often blamed for hay fever - but rape pollen is too heavy to float easily and rarely a culprit. If you are out and about, you can still cut your exposure to pollen. A simple barrier nasal balm under your nostrils works by trapping pollen. Surprisingly, it can relieve eye as well as nose symptoms. Try Vaseline or Haymax nasal balm. Contact us Sign up for newsletters. Log In Register now My account.

Why is hay fever so bad this year? By Alex Finnis Reporter. June 21, am Updated pm. The NHS says hay fever symptoms include: The freshest exclusives and sharpest analysis, curated for your inbox Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing!

Sorry, there was a problem. More from News. Politics Exclusive The Government's best and worst-case scenarios for when the pandemic actually ends, revealed. They are among the earliest flowering trees in the UK, with peak polination occuring in March. Poplar is a medium-sized deciduous tree, growing to heights of up to 16 to 27m.

It is common in towns and cities where it is often used along boulevards or around squares. In the UK, poplar flowers in spring, with peak pollen production during March. The common silver birch is a single-stemmed, deciduous tree up to about 25 metres tall, with distinctive silvery bark.

Birch pollen is highly allergenic and is a significant cause of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis. Pollination occurs from spring to early summer, peaking between April and May. The European ash is a broad, deciduous tree, growing up to 35 m in height. Ash trees are wind pollinated, with pollen travelling up to metres from the tree. They spread large amounts of pollen during the flowering season, which in the UK is from March to May, with the peak occurring in April.

The London plane tree is easily identified by its distinctive bark which peels in large flakes. It is commonly found in urban areas of the UK, planted along streets and in squares. Over half of the trees found in central London are of this species.

London plane is wind pollinated and pollination peaks during May. Oaks are large deciduous trees with broadly spreading canopies, found throughout the UK both in rural areas and in urban or suburban parkland. Flowering generally occurs in spring but may vary based on local temperatures and weather conditions, with pollination peaking around May.

Oilseed rape is a common food crop in the UK, grown principally for oil production. Oilseed rape fields are easily recognisable by the bright yellow flowers which are characteristic of this species. It is partially wind pollinated, with peak pollen release occurring from May to June. Pine is a coniferous tree growing up to 35m in height, with upward pointing branches and a narrow, tapering shape. The majority of species flower in spring and early summer in the UK, peaking around May.

While the pollen count is high, the individual pollen grains are relatively large, which can reduce sensitisation. Grass pollen is one of the most common causes of allergic rhinitis hayfever , and may also cause contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals. In the UK the grass pollen season runs from spring through to early autumn, with its peak in summer. Activities such as mowing and baling of hay may increase levels of pollen locally. Lime trees are a common ornamental tree in the UK, growing to as much as 30m tall.

They may be found in parks and ornamental gardens or lining streets or avenues. Limes flower in summer, with peak pollination usually occurring in June.