Why hay fever season is getting longer: Experts reveal the surprising facts and how to find relief <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAccording to the latest research, hay fever season is becoming longer and more intense due to global environmental changes. <\/p>\n
A recent review by 65 scientists found that the pollination season now lasts one to two weeks longer than in the 1990s. In Europe, trees such as birch, alder and olive are pollinating earlier than in the period 1991\u20132000. <\/p>\n
However, hot and dry weather creates ideal conditions for pollens to grow and spread rapidly, significantly increasing the severity of symptoms. <\/p>\n
Hay fever causes itchy eyes, sneezing, and headaches, which can lead to poor sleep and missed days at work. For teens, severe symptoms during exam season can result in entire academic grades falling. <\/p>\n
High pollen levels can trigger dangerous asthma attacks and worsen other respiratory conditions.<\/p>\n
“We are seeing a longer season \u2013 an earlier start to pollination in both the north and the south (of Europe),” says Professor Joachim Rocklov of the University of Heidelberg, one of the paper’s authors. <\/p>\n
Experts recommend using a combination of over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. These include long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation, and eye drops that specifically target itching and redness. <\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough for some people their symptoms may be mild, for many people the symptoms of hay fever affect their quality of life,\u201d says Anne Biggs, deputy head of clinical services at Allergy UK.<\/p>\n
“This can mean missed days at work, poor sleep and, for some teens and young people, active hay fever symptoms can mean they drop academic grades on their exams.”<\/p>\n
“If people are allergic to pollen, it can cause inflammation in their airways and cause terrible breathing conditions, which can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups,” says Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK.<\/p>\n
In terms of prevention, it is advisable to shower and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen from the skin and hair. <\/p>\n
Vacuuming regularly, using pollen filters in cars and keeping windows closed are also relevant. Applying petroleum jelly around the nostrils helps trap pollen, as does wearing wraparound sunglasses. <\/p>\n
Stay away from freshly cut grass, avoid drying clothes outside and dry your pets after leaving them. <\/p>\n
“Ninety percent of people with hay fever can be controlled with over-the-counter medication,” says pharmacist Ashley Cohen.<\/p>\n
While 90% of sufferers can manage with pharmacy medicines, those with debilitating symptoms may require a GP referral. <\/p>\n
For the most severe cases, specialists may offer immunotherapy, which involves injecting small amounts of pollen over time to deactivate the immune system. <\/p>\n
Severe hay fever has a real impact on quality of life and overall productivity.<\/p>\n
The goal of immunotherapy is to gradually build the body’s tolerance to the allergen, ensuring that the immune system does not overreact during prolonged exposure to pollen.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n