Pollen count today | Stay 1 step ahead of your hay fever (2024)

FAQs

What pollen affects hay fever? ›

Hay fever triggers include: Tree pollen, which is common in early spring. Grass pollen, which is common in late spring and summer. Ragweed pollen, which is common in fall.

Pollen release is favourable on warm, dry, windy days whereas rain washes the air clean of pollen. Pollination usually occurs in the morning. Pollen concentrations increase to the peak at 12 noon and decrease through the afternoon and evening.

When Is The Pollen Count High? Pollen counts usually rise in the morning, and reach their peak by midday or early afternoon. This is the time of day that allergies are often the worst, since there is a high concentration of pollen in the air.

Weather changes

A mild winter can cause plants to pollinate a little earlier than normal. Although this only amounts to a very small amount of pollen in the air and, therefore, a low pollen count, it can still cause hayfever symptoms.

The first thing that hayfever sufferers should beware of is dairy produce as this can encourage the production of mucous making symptoms like a blocked nose and a runny nose worse. So, whilst hayfever season is in full swing, it may be best to avoid things like milk, yogurt and even cheese where possible.

For this reason, you should aim to keep your head slightly elevated in a luxurious bed if you are struggling with allergies. You might want to try propping your head up with an extra pillow and shifting your sleeping position so you're slightly more seated.

Symptoms are usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. Hay fever can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of dust, pollen and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. That means they could help eliminate pet dander found in the air. For more information, check the EPA's guidance on indoor air quality in your home.

Does rain make pollen worse? ›

Pollen: Rain prevents pollen from traveling and can be a relief for some people with this common allergy. However, it can also increase pollen exposure when pollen is broken into smaller particles. Pollen counts also sometimes increase significantly right after rainstorms.

Masks provide enough protection to block common allergens, including pollen, dust mites, and mold. However, they're not an effective choice for all seasonal or other allergies. Any mask can help reduce allergy symptoms, but surgical masks are often the best choice.

After years of experience in allergy relief, we confidently recommend these three medications as the top options for managing hay fever symptoms. Cetirizine, Loratadine, and Telfast have proven highly effective at minimising the sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and overall discomfort that hay fever brings.

Nonallergic rhinitis .

These are ailments that mimic some of the symptoms of hay fever, such as nasal congestion and postnasal drip, but are not caused by allergies.

Some people's immune systems may overreact to allergens, leading to an allergic response and the development of hay fever. In fact, having other allergies, asthma, allergic dermatitis or eczema can increase your risk of developing hay fever.

Tree Pollen Allergy

Tree pollen is the first pollen to appear each year in the United States. It is responsible for most spring pollen allergy symptoms. It also often overlaps with grass pollen in the spring and summer. Throughout the U.S., trees produce the most pollen from March through May.

They are usually caused by allergic sensitivity to airborne mold spores or to pollens from trees, grass, and weeds. Perennial: People with perennial allergic rhinitis experience symptoms year-round. It is generally caused by dust mites, pet hair or dander, co*ckroaches, or mold.

If you have a ragweed pollen allergy, you will only have symptoms when ragweed pollen is in the air. This is called seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever.” Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include: Runny nose (also known as rhinorrhea – this is typically a clear, thin nasal discharge)

Bee pollen might help stimulate the immune system, but it's not clear how bee pollen causes these effects. People take bee pollen for athletic performance, hay fever, eczema, constipation, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.