Pollen in UK

Different pollens can cause hay fever at different times of the year, usually between Feb and Sept.

• Tree Pollen causes hay fever in spring i.e. Feb, March, April months. Birch and alder pollen sensitivity are particular problems for allergy sufferers in the UK (where Birch is increasingly popular by gardeners).

• Grass Pollen is the biggest culprits during mid-summer from May to August.

• Weed Pollen such as nettles and dock as well as mugwort and plantain can trigger hay fever in late summer and autumn.

• The main main fungal spore season is in late summer i.e. Sept-Nov.

• Hay fever is worse in the cities where the symptoms are compounded by pollution. 

Global warming and related environmental changes has intensified and extended the traditional pollen seasons.

You may wish to follow the Met Office or University of Worcester Pollen service in order to anticipate high pollen counts (in anticipation, increased doses of antihistamines can be taken).

Pollen allergies may result in “itch, seeze and wheeze’ symptoms ie hayfever, eczema, the oral allergy syndrome (aka Pollen Food Syndrome) and allergic asthma.