April brings grass pollen, which affects two-thirds of hay fever sufferers, although if you have multiple pollen or other allergies, you may be affected during most months. The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Institute at Worcester University (worcester.ac.uk) has a useful pollen calendar.
At least one in five of us seek help for it, but, if we suffer every year, we can start treatment before it takes hold.
Hay fever produces nasal inflammation – seasonal rhinitis. Pollen hits delicate membranes in the nose, eyes and even our airways, which respond by releasing histamine, immune-system cells and proteins.
Hay fever can run in families and be linked to eczema or asthma, or made worse by smoke or air pollution. You may also be allergic to house dust mites (in bedding and carpets) with year-round symptoms, and may have cross-over allergies to nuts, fruits, vegetables, spices, pet hair, dust, latex and so on.
The symptoms
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