Understanding Hayfever: Causes, Symptoms, and Tips for Relief
Hayfever can turn a bright spring or summer day into a sneezy battle with allergies. While pollen is a common trigger, allergies aren’t just a seasonal nuisance. Understanding your triggers and finding the right relief can help you stay one step ahead. Here’s how to help take control of hayfever.
What is Hayfever?
Despite its name, hayfever isn’t caused by hay, nor does it typically involve a fever. The term was coined by British physician John Bostock in the early 19th century when he mistakenly believed his symptoms were triggered by the smell of freshly cut hay.
Hayfever affects 10-15% of children and 26% of adults, occurring when the body reacts to harmless airborne allergens.
Common Hayfever Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Blocked or runny nose
- Itchy nose, throat, or ears
- Coughing
- Itchy, watery eyes
Medically, it is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis when it flares up at certain times of the year due to seasonal allergens such as grass, trees, and weeds.
When caused by allergens present year-round, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mould, it is referred to as perennial allergic rhinitis. Some people with perennial allergic rhinitis mistake the symptoms as a persistent cold. Read our article to learn more about indoor allergens.
Grass pollen affects 95% of hayfever sufferers, while 20% react to birch pollen. These plants can start pollinating as early as March, with grass pollen continuing into late summer—so it’s wise to be prepared.
How to Ease Hayfever Symptoms
- Taking antihistamines regularly through the season is more effective at controlling your hayfever than only taking them occasionally on the high pollen days.
- Look up the pollen forecast for your area each day and try to stay inside on high-pollen days.
- Pollen levels are highest in the morning and evening, so it is a good idea to keep the windows closed.
- Pollen sticks to our hair and clothes so taking a shower and changing clothing if you’ve been outside could help.
- Drying clothes outside gives them a lovely fresh smell, but try to avoid high-pollen days, as pollen sticks to fabric. Pollen also clings to fur, so wiping down pets with a damp microfiber cloth after they’ve been outside can help remove it.
Read more tips on managing allergies to reduce hayfever symptoms and enjoy the outdoors with fewer interruptions.
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Zirtek Allergy film-coated Tablets (6+), Zirtek Allergy Relief film-coated Tablets (6+), Zirtek Allergy Relief for Children oral solution (6+) and Zirtek Allergy Solution oral solution (2+) contain cetirizine dihydrochloride. Always read the leaflet.
Zirtek is for the relief from itchy watery eyes, blocked or runny nose and sneezing caused by hayfever and winter allergens such as dust, pets and moulds as well as allergic itchy skin rashes (hives).
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency, or for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your condition.
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Adverse events should also be reported to UCB Pharma Ltd at ucbcares.uk@ucb.com or 0800 2793177
References are available upon request.
UCB Pharma Ltd
208 Bath Road
Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3WE
Email: ucbcares.uk@ucb.com
Tel: 01753 777 100
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