Hay fever symptoms: 6 red flags to watch out for, including food allergies

While hay fever sufferers are being warned about the high pollen forecast for the next week, nutritional therapist Hannah Braye says it’s best to address these six symptoms as soon as possible.

While many of us are looking forward to the hot weather this week, for others, summer means the start of hay fever season.

The Met Office has issued a pollen warning for many areas of England and Wales over the next week, with different species of grass now releasing pollen into the air.

Many Brits who suffer from the condition stock up on antihistamines and nasal sprays to deal with the symptoms.

Hannah Braye, a nutritional therapist, has revealed six hay fever warning signs to control before they get out of hand.

Isolating oneself

Hannah explained that some people isolate themselves because their symptoms are so difficult to manage.

According to the expert, if you’ve started missing work, school, or social events because of the symptoms, you should seek additional assistance.

She went on to say that hay fever has been linked to higher rates of absenteeism from work and school, as well as poor cognitive performance.

Food allergies It is critical to take notice if you have developed food allergies, as not controlling them can be dangerous.

“Sometimes people who are allergic to pollen become allergic to certain foods,” Hannah explained.

“This is known as cross-reactivity, and it occurs when the immune system reacts to something.”

High-pollution zones

Living in heavily polluted areas can exacerbate allergy symptoms significantly.

“As if hay fever symptoms weren’t bad enough,” the nutritional therapist explained, “researchers now believe that when pollen interacts with high levels of air pollution, its allergic effect may be heightened.”

This means that lower levels of pollen in the air are required to cause symptoms.”

Other diseases

Those who have other conditions, such as eczema or asthma, should also control their allergies, according to Hannah.

“These conditions share common genetic and environmental predisposing factors, as well as certain immunologic features to hay fever, and frequently run in families,” she said.

The presence of one atopic condition raises the possibility of developing others.”

If your hay fever symptoms ‘move down,’