Why hay fever season is getting longer: Experts break down surprising facts and how to find relief

According to the latest research, hay fever season is becoming longer and more intense due to global environmental changes. 

A recent review by 65 scientists found that the pollen season now lasts one to two weeks longer than it did in the 1990s. In Europe, trees like birch, alder and olive are pollinating earlier than in the 1991-2000 period.

However, warm and dry weather creates ideal conditions for pollen to multiply and spread rapidly, significantly increasing symptom severity. 

Hay fever causes itchy eyes, sneezing and headaches which can lead to poor sleep and missed workdays. For teenagers, severe symptoms during exam seasons can result in dropping an entire academic grade. 

High pollen levels can trigger dangerous asthma attacks and worsen other respiratory conditions.

“We are seeing a prolonged season – an earlier onset of pollination in both the north and south [of Europe]”, says Professor Joacim Rocklov, from the University of Heidelberg, one of the authors of the paper.

Experts recommended using a combination of over-the-counter medicines to manage symptoms. This includes long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation, and eye drops specifically targeting itching and redness.

“While for some their symptoms can be mild, for many their hay fever symptoms impact their quality of life," says Anne Biggs, deputy head of clinical services at Allergy UK.

“It can mean missed days at work, poor sleep and, for some teenagers and young people, active hay fever symptoms can mean they drop an academic grade in their exams.”

“If people are allergic to pollen, it can inflame their airways and cause terrifying 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.

In terms of prevention, it is recommended to shower and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen from skin and hair. 

It is also pertinent to vacuum regularly, use pollen filters in cars, and keep windows closed. Applying petroleum jelly around nostrils helps trap pollen as does wearing wrapground sunglasses. 

Stay away from freshly cut grass, avoid drying clothes outside, and wipe down pets after they have been outdoors.

Ninety percent of people with hay fever can be managed with over-the-counter medication,” says pharmacist Ashley Cohen.

While 90% of sufferers can manage with pharmacy medications, those with debilitating symptoms may need a GP referral. 

For the most severe cases, specialists may offer immunotherapy, which involves injecting tiny amounts of pollen over time to desensitize the immune system. 

Severe hay fever has a genuine impact on quality of life and overall productivity.

The goal of immunotherapy is to gradually build the body’s tolerance to the allergen, ensuring that the immune system no longer overreacts during prolonged exposure to pollen.