Hay fever is part of the atopy triad – hay fever, asthma and eczema – and is an allergic reaction to various substances, called allergens. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal itching and runny nose with nasal congestion. Post-nasal drip, itching palate, cough, snoring and halitosis also occur. Eye symptoms include itching, redness and watering. In those with asthma, hay fever can also cause chest tightness, breathlessness, cough and wheeze.
Pollens are the most common allergen. Tree pollens are released, and so cause symptoms, in early to late spring, whereas grass pollens occur late spring to early summer, mould spores in autumn.
House-dust mites are another common allergen in asthma and hay fever – symptoms are worse on waking, occur all year round but peak in spring and autumn. Animal hairs or…
