Allergy Hayfever
Hayfever - or something else?
Hayfever may be common at this time of year, but could your symptoms be a sign of another condition? Here’s what you need to know
If you usually start sneezing during spring, you may be right to assume that you have hayfever. After all, hayfever is a common condition. According to Allergy UK, hayfever may affect between 10 - 30 per cent of all adults and as many as 40 per cent of children.
As well as sneezing, the symptoms of hayfever include:
• Blocked or runny nose • Blocked sinuse • Itchy eyes and/or throat • Red, watery eyes • Headache • Lack of energy • Shortness of breath
Exactly when your symptoms start may depend on which type of pollen you are allergic to. According to the Met Office the pollen season is divided into three stages each year:
1. Late March to mid-May – tree pollen. 2.Mid-May to July – grass pollen
3.Late June to September – weed pollen
When these types of plants flower, grains of pollen are released into the air. If you notice which time of year you tend to experience hayfever symptoms, it can help you understand which plants you’re most allergic to, which means you can be prepared to tackle your symptoms before they start. However, while hayfever may be common, it’s also often
misdiagnosed because the symptoms apply to some other conditions too. Here’s a quick look at the most common conditions that can be mistaken for hay fever:
Common cold According to the NHS, cold symptoms can include:
• Blocked or runny nose • Sore throat • Headache • Muscle aches • Coughs • Sneezing
• High temperature (more than 38C in adults, 37.5C in children)
• Pressure in your ears and face • Loss of taste and smell
However, the NHS also says you should begin to feel beter in about a week or two if you have a cold. Hayfever, on the other hand, can last longer, depending on the type of pollen you’re allergic to.
Sinusitis This is when your sinuses become swollen, usually as a result of an infection, and is common after having a cold or the flu. According to the NHS, the following are common sinusitis symptoms:
• Pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
• Blocked nose • Reduced sense of smell • Green or yellow mucus from your nose
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