Seasonal health problems often fade in and out, but there’s one common condition you might be dealing with without realizing it.
From the start of spring through late summer, a lot of people notice watery eyes, a runny nose, itching, and sometimes a lingering cough.
Those are classic complaints during peak pollen months.
When pollen in the air triggers irritation as plants pollinate (helped along by wildlife like birds and bees), the reaction is commonly referred to as hay fever.
The New Victoria Hospital estimates that around 400 million people worldwide experience it.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology also reports that roughly 40 million of those cases are in the United States.
Even so, the true figure may be higher, because some symptoms aren’t widely recognized and can easily be blamed on something else.
Niamh McMillan, Pharmacy Superintendent at Superdrug, says there are several less obvious signs that can point to allergies.
“Hay fever isn’t always obvious. Many symptoms can mimic colds, sinus infections or even other health conditions,” Niamh said. “Recognising these lesser-known signs is key to finding the right treatment early on.”
Here are some of the symptoms she says people often miss.
Headaches can be linked to hay fever, as sinus swelling and blockage may create pressure around the forehead and eyes.
According to Niamh, headaches can be symptomatic of hay fever because it ‘can cause inflammation and blockage in the sinuses, which creates pressure in the forehead and around the eyes.’
She went on to say that, ‘this pressure can lead to headaches that many mistake for tension or migraines.’
For anyone seeking relief, she recommends considering a ‘fast acting antihistamine that provides relief for up to 24 hours.’
Facial soreness isn’t something most people immediately connect with hay fever, but congestion can sometimes cause discomfort or pain through the cheeks and around the eyes.
She said: “When the sinuses become congested due to an allergic reaction, it can lead to facial discomfort or even sharp pain around the cheeks and eyes.
“It’s often confused with sinusitis, but can be allergy-related.”
For related nasal discomfort, she notes a saline nasal spray can create a ‘protective barrier in the nose to reduce contact with airborne allergens.’
Hay fever doesn’t just affect the nose and head; it can also influence how your ears feel.
Niamh explains: “Hay fever can affect the ears too. The inflammation caused by allergens can block the Eustachian tubes – the small passageways that connect the throat to the middle ear, leading to a feeling of fullness, pressure or even earache. This is a hay fever symptom that’s often overlooked or misdiagnosed, especially as it doesn’t immediately seem connected to pollen allergies. But for many, it’s a tell-tale sign of hay fever flare ups.”
A reduced sense of smell is also more common than many expect, and it isn’t only associated with colds or flu.
Agreeing, Niamh shares: “Blocked nasal passages from hay fever can interfere with your sense of smell, something many associate with colds or COVID, but it’s also a lesser-known allergy symptom.
She adds that a saline nasal spray ‘is ideal for helping’ as it will ‘clear nasal passages and helping restore your sense of smell.’
It’s also worth noting that hay fever isn’t exclusively caused by pollen.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) involves symptoms such as:
‘runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure’
The Mayo Clinic also explains it happens due to:
‘an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance the body identifies as harmful.’
Triggers can include pollen as well as indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander from cats and dogs, and other similar irritants.
Additionally, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology notes there’s a year-round form known as perennial allergic rhinitis, which is more often tied to non-pollen triggers.