Hay fever: Pharmacist explains 5 surprising symptoms as “pollen bomb” set to hit UK

Hay fever: Pharmacist explains 5 surprising symptoms as “pollen bomb” set to hit UK
With a tree pollen bomb set to hit the UK this week, millions are bracing for the annual spike in hay fever symptoms. However, contrary to popular belief, it is not grass pollen that’s surging right now. In fact, the primary culprit of allergic reactions during spring is tree pollen.
According to pharmacist Mital Thakrar at Well Pharmacy Online Doctor, understanding the differences between these pollen types can help sufferers manage their symptoms more effectively.

"Tree pollen, particularly birch pollen, tends to be the most aggressive allergen in spring, affecting up to 25% of hay fever sufferers in the UK, with white ash and elm following closely behind," explains Thakrar.
"Each pollen type can cause slightly different symptoms, with birch typically leading to severe eye irritation, while ash and elm often trigger more respiratory complaints."
What is causing my seasonal allergies?
“A lot of people don’t realise that although grass pollen is typically the most common cause of hay fever, it doesn’t peak until early summer. Therefore, many confuse it with tree pollen, which is the main culprit in early spring. So, if you’re sneezing and dealing with itchy eyes in March or April, tree pollen is likely to blame. But if your allergies hit hardest in May, June, or July, grass pollen could be the trigger.”
What is a pollen bomb?