About pollen and hay fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. Pollen is a fine powder from plants.

Pollen is released in dry, sunny weather and by noon, most of the grains have risen high in the atmosphere. They descend again as the air cools towards the evening, remaining suspended longer in warmer, urban areas (like towns).

Levels are at their highest 6pm to 8pm in rural areas and 10pm to midnight in towns. The UK’s peak pollen season is usually the last two weeks in June.

Typical symptoms of hay fever are:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, blocked or runny nose
• Red, itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat, inner ear or mouth
• Headaches
• Loss of concentration & generally feeling unwell.

Helping symptoms

• Take your hay fever treatment regularly
• Check the pollen forecast on the television or in the newspaper and plan your day’s activities accordingly – try and stay indoors if there is a high pollen count
• Schedule outdoor activities for early afternoon but don’t forget the suncream!
• Keep the doors and windows closed, especially mid-morning and late afternoon/early evening
• Avoid drying clothes outside but if you do, bring them in before evening and shake them before you bring them into the house
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses and a peaked cap or hat
• Rub Vaseline inside your nose
• Keep car windows closed
• Avoid walking through or cutting grass, picnics and camping. If you go out into the countryside, shower and wash your hair on return.

Pollen can also trigger asthma symptoms

These symptoms can include:

• A tight chest
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing

If this is happening you need to see your Nurse or Doctor.

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for hay fever and you can’t prevent it. But you can do the things listed to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.

For more useful information

Children’s Asthma Nursing Service
Longsight Health Centre
Stockport Road
Longsight
Manchester
M13 0RR

Telephone: 0161 529 6638

Asthma UK Adviceline:

Telephone: 0300 222 5800
Website: www.asthma.org.uk

Allergy UK

Telephone: 0132 261 9898
Website: www.allergyuk.org

Who provides this service?

The Children’s Asthma Service is provided by Manchester Local Care Organisation.

MLCO is the organisation that provides NHS community health care and adult social care in the city. It is a partnership organisation between the NHS and Manchester City Council.

Other Languages

This leaflet can be produced in other languages on request. We can also provide the information in other formats including Braille, large print, and audio CD. Please contact us if you require help.

Compliments and Complaints

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a confidential NHS service that provides help, advice and information for patients, families, and carers. We welcome all your feedback about the service. Contact PALS at:

Email: pals@mft.nhs.uk

Telephone: 0161 276 8686

Please visit our web pages at www.mft.nhs.uk/community/childrens-community-services-citywide/ to find out more about our services.