Hay fever: the 'misery' season

Causes
Grass pollens and some tree pollens are the major cause of this irritation, and there are recognised main and peak periods of pollen release:

• February: birch pollen.
• March/April: hazel, yew and alder.
• June/August and later: grasses, nettle and dock.

Rape pollen is often blamed for symptoms, but it is rarely a cause of true, allergic reactions. However, the heavy, volatile chemicals that are released and give rise to the smell are certainly capable of aggravating an existing allergic inflammation. The exact timing and severity of pollen seasons differs from year to year, depending on the weather, with regional and geographical locations having further influences.

Do's and don'ts for parents

Do:

• Keep windows closed at night.
• Try to minimise early morning outdoor activities (most pollen is released before 10am).
• Keep car windows closed, and use 're-circulated' rather than 'fresh' air when travelling.
• Limit outside activity when humidity is high or there is wind.
• Take beach holidays, preferably during the height of the pollen season - here the onshore breeze during the day will keep pollens inland.
• Try to avoid farms and orchards.

Don't:

• Allow play around freshly mown lawns; this disturbs the contained pollens and moulds.
• Allow play with fallen, raked leaves - for the same reason.
• Don't use bed linen that has been dried on an outside line - pollens and moulds may well have collected on these.