IS YOUR HAY FEVER GETTING WORSE?

Enjoy a season free from sneezing and itching with the help of our expert advice

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Whether your usually mild sniffles have become a constant runny nose and sore eyes, or you're suffering for the first time, it's not unusual for hay fever to get worse from year to year.

Wondering what the cause is? 'When we get hay fever, our body reacts to allergens and produces too many histamines that trigger the unpleasant symptoms,' explains airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg.

Here, our experts reveal what could trigger a later-in-life flare-up - and how to take back control so you can make the most of the warmer weather.

The menopause effect

'Due to decreasing oestrogen production during the menopause, the immune system protects the body by producing more histamine. As such, it can feel like allergy symptoms are getting worse,' says senior allergy consultant Dr José Costa*.

Over-the-counter medication can be very effective. 'Medication works by either blocking the allergic response, or by reducing inflammation (as in the case of nasal steroids),' says Holly Shaw, nurse advisor at Allergy UK. Speak to your GP or pharmacist - and avoid driving if the medication makes you drowsy.

Moved house?

Living in a built-up area can have an impact. 'Urban pollutants can interact with pollen, making it more potent and triggering stronger allergic reactions,' says GP Dr Roger Henderson, spokesperson at Olbas. What's more, male trees are often favoured by urban landscape planners - they're easier to maintain as they don't shed messy fruit or seed pods, unlike female trees. However, they do create tons of pollen which is then released into the air, causing the pollen count to soar for town and city dwellers.