As the days get longer and the flowers start to bloom, many of us find ourselves reaching for the tissues and wondering: is it just a cold, or is hay fever back again? If you suffer from sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and a runny nose around this time of year, you’re not alone. Hay fever affects millions of people and can really take the joy out of spring and summer. So, what exactly is hay fever, and why does it seem to be getting worse?

What Is Hay Fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen—a fine powder released by plants during their reproductive cycle. When pollen gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or throat, it can trigger a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Typical Symptoms Include:

Sneezing and coughing
Runny or blocked nose
Itchy, red, or watery eyes
Itchy throat, nose, mouth, or ears
Headaches
Fatigue or feeling generally run down

If you’ve experienced any of these during the warmer months, especially after spending time outdoors, hay fever is the likely culprit.

Why Does It Seem Worse Some Years?

The severity of hay fever can vary each year, and the weather plays a big role in this:

Rainy weather tends to wash pollen out of the air, bringing relief to many sufferers.
On the other hand, dry and windy weather helps pollen travel through the air more easily, increasing exposure.

Interestingly, a study in the US found that the pollen season has lengthened by about 30 days since 1990. This means hay fever symptoms are starting earlier and lasting longer for many people, possibly due to changes in climate and plant behaviour.

When Are Symptoms at Their Worst?

You might notice that hay fever symptoms tend to flare up around mid-morning (11am) and again in the early evening (around 6pm). Here’s why:

Morning: Pollen starts low to the ground and rises as the sun warms the earth.
Midday: It gets blown higher into the atmosphere.
Evening: As the temperature drops, pollen sinks back down to our breathing level—right when many people are out for a walk or heading home from work.

Final Thoughts

Hay fever might be a seasonal annoyance, but understanding how it works can help you manage it better. Whether it’s checking the pollen forecast, staying indoors during peak times, or using medication, there are ways to stay ahead of the sneezes.

Do you suffer from hay fever? What are your go-to remedies? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips and experiences!

Some hayfever remedies