Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, which can be released from a number of natural sources including trees or grass.
There is currently no cure for the condition, but many people are able to ease or control their symptoms with treatment. Thankfully many people find their symptoms improve with age and can disappear completely in some cases.
You are typically more likely to get hay fever if it runs in your family, or if your family has a history of asthma or eczema.
In the UK, hay fever is at its peak between late March and early September:
- Tree pollen is the first to kick things off for sufferers, beginning in March
- Grass pollen season then starts from mid-May until July
- Another pesky customer is weed pollen, which can be released at any time but typically is from the end of June to September
Symptoms of hay fever normally occur when the pollen count is above 50. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their pollination cycle.
The spores then travel in the air for the plants to be grown elsewhere when the pollen lands.
But it contains a protein that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen and irritated if a person is allergic to it.
This gets more intense if the pollen count is high, meaning lots of plants have released spores all at once.
At Pall Mall you can have the hay fever injection, which is no longer available on the NHS.
The hay fever injection is a prescription-strength medication, and a single dose could provide relief throughout the entire pollen season to allow you to get back outdoors and enjoy the upcoming spring and summer months.
To find out more and book an appointment today visit our website