UK heading to 'worst day of the year for hay fever' as pollen count soars (2024)

FAQs

UK heading to 'worst day of the year for hay fever' as pollen count soars? ›

'Hay Day' was a term dubbed by the charity Asthma + Lung UK for the worst day of the year for people with hay fever, typically on June 21. Allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balms Max Wiseberg, says: "On Monday for 14 of the 16 UK regions – with only northern Scotland escaping.

From about March until May, the blossoming of trees such as hazel and birch creates the first wave of symptoms for some pollen allergy sufferers. From May until July grass pollen forms the bulk of the UK's pollen load. Weed pollen (such as dock and mugwort) starts to occur from June and can last well into the autumn.

The months that register a higher pollen count are April, May and September. With the onset of winter, the pollen density drops away although allergy sufferers can still be affected by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander or mould spores.

A study from Allergy UK reports that 49% of the UK have had hay fever symptoms, making it one of the most common allergies.

Plant pollination

The above gives an indication of what's causing your hayfever symptoms; however, factors such as warmer weather, and even a mild winter, can cause hayfever symptoms to come on earlier than usual. Hayfever can get worse when temperatures increase because, as warm air rises, it takes pollen with it.

A study by the University of Manchester found that the prevalence of hay fever has risen by 33% in the past 20 years, an increase attributed to various factors — including environmental allergens, urbanisation and climate change.

Grass and nettle pollen currently airborne during warm, dry weather.

They're called "seasonal allergies" because each type of pollen has a season where they're most potent. Here's a general timeline of common pollen seasons: March through June is tree pollen season. June, July, and August is usually when the grass pollens are high, sometimes into September in a warm year.

Studies have shown that children who grow up in rural areas, where they are more likely to be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis, have fewer allergies than kids who play primarily indoors in an urban or suburban environment.

As a result, a high overall pollen count doesn't always indicate a strong concentration of the specific pollen to which you're allergic. The opposite can be true, too: The pollen count might be low, but you might find yourself around one of the pollens that triggers your allergies.

Where is the best place to live in the UK for hayfever sufferers? ›

'Generally speaking, living near the sea will give you a lower pollen count. ' Another good option, Dr Emberlin says, are 'areas of moorland, or upland, where there is more heather and less grass'. So where are the worst locations to put down roots as a hay fever sufferer?

Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest hay fever rates in the world, making them two of the worst places to live with allergies. Location plays a significant role in hay fever, which is why some people can be unaffected their whole life until they move.

Pollen counts tend to be lower in coastal areas due to the sea breezes carrying pollen away further inland. Going abroad can also provide respite from your symptoms. But only if the country you're travelling to has different trees and grasses to those that you're allergic to in the UK.

Between May and July, during the traditional growing season, trees and plants create more pollen, and this, together with warmer more humid temperatures and winds, can bring about a spike in our symptoms.

Many people find their hay fever symptoms dwindle as they age, although no one knows why. But allergies can and do get worse over a lifetime, and there are reports of people who are middle aged and older suddenly developing hay fever having never been sensitive to pollen before.

Most people associate hay fever with spring, when airborne grass pollens are at their peak. This is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or spring hay fever. However, hay fever can occur at any time of the year. When symptoms occur all year round, this is known as perennial allergic rhinitis.

Hay fever triggers

Grass pollen, which is common in late spring and summer. Ragweed pollen, which is common in fall. Dust mites and co*ckroach droppings, which are present year-round. Dander from pets, which can be bothersome year-round but might cause worse symptoms in winter, when houses are closed up.

Seasonal allergies are sometimes called "hay fever" or seasonal allergic rhinitis. These allergy symptoms happen during certain times of the year, usually when trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants.