Symptoms
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Blocked nose and reduced smell
- Tiredness from poor sleep
Hay fever & allergies: symptoms, causes & treatment
Seasonal allergic rhinitis causes sneezing, itchy eyes and a blocked nose when pollen counts rise — very treatable with antihistamines and nasal sprays.
Editorial information by Kaiser Khan. Not clinically reviewed.
Why it happens
Immune overreaction to pollen (tree, grass or weed), dust mites or pet dander. Symptoms often peak in spring and summer in the UK.
Treatment
Antihistamine tablets, steroid nasal sprays and eye drops control most hay fever. Start treatment before your season begins for best results.
Self-care that helps
Check daily pollen forecasts; shower and change clothes after outdoor time; keep windows closed on high-count days; wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
When to get help
Asthma symptoms worsening with hay fever, or no improvement after 2 weeks of regular treatment — speak to a clinician.
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