Why are your hay fever symptoms worse than normal this summer?

The number of people seeking hay fever advice on the NHS website has tripled in the past five weeks, NHS England says.

A rise in the search for hay fever advice coincides with the recent warm weather in the UK, which is in the midst of a scorching heat wave.

So, why exactly is your hay fever so bad? What causes hay fever in the first place and how can it be treated effectively?

Read on below for MailOnline’s rundown on why your hay fever may be worse than usual this summer so far.

Why is my hay fever so bad?

On Tuesday 12 June, the Met Office issued red alerts for ‘very high’ pollen counts in Yorkshire and Humberside, the North West, the West Midlands, Wales, the East of England, the South West, London and the South East of England over the next week.

England and Wales will be hardest hit by the ‘very high’ pollen counts, but it warned that levels will also be ‘high in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Consequently, people with asthma may also find their hay fever symptoms worsen, with a spate of thunderstorms doing little to improve things.

This is because water breaks down pollen grains into smaller particles, which can get deeper into the airways into the lungs.

The Met Office warned that the UK is entering the ‘peak season’ of the pollen season, noting that grass pollen counts are rising.

Asthma + Lung UK, a lung health charity, in turn warned that the high pollen counts could pose a serious risk to people with lung disease, noting that pollen is a major trigger for people with asthma and COPD.

The charity noted that nearly half (47.1 per cent) of the five million Britons with asthma and more than a quarter (27.4 per cent) of the 1.3 million with COPD are caused by pollen.

What can cause hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, usually when it comes in contact with your mouth, nose, eyes, and throat.

People are most affected by hay fever between the end of March and September, especially when it is hot, humid and windy, as pollen counts are highest during this time. Pictured: A hay fever sufferer sleeps with an eye mask to prevent pollen from entering the eyes (File image)

Pollen is a fine powder from plants that is released as part of their reproductive cycle. It contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.

Anyone with hay fever can be allergic to tree pollen, which is released in the spring.

Grass pollen, released in late spring and early summer, can also cause hay fever.

Weed pollen is released in late fall and can also trigger hay fever symptoms.

People are most affected by hay fever between the end of March and September, especially when it is hot, humid and windy, as pollen counts are highest during this time.

How to treat hay fever

Hay fever can last for weeks or months and can become a nuisance for those who want to make the most of the summer sun.

Common symptoms include sneezing and coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, red, or watery eyes, and an itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears.

There is currently no cure for hay fever. However, most people can relieve symptoms by taking antihistamines, which help prevent an allergic reaction to pollen.

If steroids and other hay fever treatments don’t work, your GP may refer you for immunotherapy.

In this form of treatment, people are given small amounts of pollen as an injection or tablet to slowly build up their immunity to pollen.

There is currently no cure for hay fever. However, most people can relieve symptoms by taking antihistamines, which help prevent an allergic reaction to pollen. Pictured: tall grass – which can release large amounts of pollen – on Basingstoke, common in Hampshire

Immunotherapy usually starts in the winter about three months before hay fever season starts, but it is not available to everyone.

The NHS also says people can put Vaseline around their nostrils to catch pollen and wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into their eyes.

Other advice is investing in a pollen filter for the vents in your car, as well as getting a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to prevent severe hay fever.

People should not mow or walk on grass if they routinely suffer from hay fever.

They should also avoid keeping fresh flowers in the house, which will only increase their exposure to pollen.