1. Can you develop hay fever as an adult?
Mostly, people develop hay fever in their childhood or their teenage years. However, you may experience hay fever symptoms for the first time in your adulthood. This happens if you have been brought in contact with an allergen to which you have not been exposed before. It could be due to the following reasons –
- You have moved to live in a new location
- You have changed your job
- You have a new pet
It is also possible that your allergic rhinitis has not been diagnosed before or had been misdiagnosed as a common cold or sinus. Another possibility is a general rise in hay fever cases in your area due to environmental changes.
2. What is winter hay fever?
If you are experiencing hay fever symptoms in winter, it could be due to exposure to other allergens such as dust mites and mold.
3. Is allergic rhinitis contagious?
No. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is caused by a response from your immune system to allergens. A virus or bacteria do not cause this; therefore, it is not contagious.
4. When is the Hay fever season in the UK?
In the UK, there are three kinds of pollen that affect people with allergic rhinitis. Their seasons are:
- Tree Pollen: March to Mid-May
- Grass Pollen: Mid-May to July
- Weed Pollen: June to September
It has been observed that urban areas have lower pollen levels as compared to the countryside. Also, north of the UK, the hay fever season is shorter than other parts of the country. The weather conditions daily also influence the pollen count in the air.
5. Why do hay fever symptoms get worse at night?
Allergens are causing hay fever such as pollen increase in the count during early evening and morning. This can worsen your allergic rhinitis symptoms at night.
6. Can pollen allergies cause fever?
Pollen allergies such as allergic rhinitis do not cause fever. Fever is not a symptom of hay fever.
7. Is hay fever a medical condition?
Yes. Hay fever is a medical condition that can be treated with the help of medicines.
8. What triggers hay fever?
Hay fever is triggered by allergens in the air, such as pollen from grass, trees, or weeds.
9. What is the best way to prevent hay fever?
Hay fever can be prevented with the help of allergy medications that are taken before the symptoms start. It can also be prevented by keeping an eye on the pollen count and avoiding outdoor activity on days with a high pollen count.