UK hayfever sufferers have been having a bad time with hayfever recently as the tree pollen count has risen dramatically.

Overseas hay fever sufferers are finding things even worse. The pollen count in the South and Midwest USA has reached record highs and hay fever sufferers in these areas are experiencing moderate to severe hay fever symptoms as a result of the effect of pollen. Knoxville, Tennessee is thought to be the worst place affected by hay fever, based on pollen counts and sales of hay fever medication.

People with hay fever who are thinking of emigrating, planning a holiday abroad, or a holiday in a different area of their own country may want to consider that their hay fever symptoms could become worse, or indeed better, depending on where they go.

The hay fever symptoms experienced will depend on the type of pollen the sufferer is affected by and the strength of this pollen in the area that they visit or move to. In the Tokyo area many people are allergic to the Japenese Cedar which produces pollen from late February to early April.

Even if you have never suffered from hay fever or experienced hay fever symptoms, you might find that in a different environment, where you are exposed to new allergens and types of pollen, that symptoms of hay fever start to manifest. Or, your previous hay fever symptoms may disappear altogether.

Hayfever symptoms, or symptoms of hay fever include: itchy eyes,nose, throat and skin, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, red or swollen eyes, lethargy, tight chest and throat.

Treatment for Rhinitis: how can I help to alleviate my hay fever symptoms?

For hayfever sufferers experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, there is a choice of many hay fever products both over the counter and by prescription. You could also (or instead) try a dietary change. Have a look at our hay fever guide for many ways of dealing with hay fever.

Options for hay fever sufferers with mild to moderate hay fever symptoms include: eye drops, antihistamine tablets, steroid nasal spray, homeopathic nasal spray, the HayMax pollen barrier balm, which has been proven to trap up to 30% of pollen before it enters your system, and the Qu Chi Acupressure Band, which works by targeting the Qu Chi pressure point on your body that is linked to the front of the face and the sinuses, just underneath your elbow joint, to limit your reaction to pollen. Both HayMax and Qu-Chi are non-drowsy and natural ways of tackling hay fever, making them ideal for those with hay fever in pregnancy, or children with hay fever. You can order HayMax online here or call us on 01525 406 600 for more information or to order by phone.

Dietary tweaks could include extract of marshmallow, bromelain and quercetin, or foods where they are found naturally and local honey for hay fever, if you are staying in your local area.

Hayfever sufferers experiencing severe and debilitating hayfever symtoms can ask for a referral to a specialist. This is when you will start to have access to hay fever therapies such as immunotherapy, where pollen in put into the body to build up the body’s resistance to pollen and to more expensive and effective drugs not widely prescribed by your GP.