Hay Fever

Hay fever is an allergy to pollen. There are 3 types of pollen that are active at different times of the year: tree pollen (from late March to mid May), grass pollen (from mid May to July) and weed pollen (from June  to September). Most people react to grass pollen, but many may be allergic to more than one type  of pollen.

Hay fever is caused by the body's over sensitivity to pollen. Pollen triggers the release of histamine in the body, which causes hay fever symptoms. It is not clear as to why people are allergic to pollen, however some factors make you more likely to be allergic such as parents suffering from hay fever, having other allergies, suffering from asthma or eczema and being exposed to tobacco at an early age.

Symptoms include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Itchy or red eyes
• Scratchy or itchy throat or mouth
• Runny nose