Summer is here, and for many people, it means spending more time outside. However, for some, it’s also the season for hay fever. Hay fever is commonly characterized by sneezing, watery eyes, and a stuffy nose. However, it can manifest itself in unusual ways. Here are five unexpected symptoms of hay fever to look out for.
Firstly, excessive sweating may be a symptom of hay fever. While sweating may be normal during the summer, excessive sweating may be caused by stress, pain, or when your immune system is vulnerable, all factors which can occur in hay fever. Secondly, due to inflammation in the nasal passages, you may experience a loss of smell or taste, known as anosmia. According to Rumeet Patel, a UK pharmacist, "this is the body's way of limiting the amount of pollen that reaches the nose." However, a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell is also a symptom of COVID-19. Therefore, you should consider testing or staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you also have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities. Not only that, but sinus inflammation can cause a build-up of pressure that results in a sinus headache, which feels like intense pressure inside the head or behind the eyes. Histamines released during a hay fever attack can also give rise to migraines.
Hay fever can also cause pain around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead due to pressure that results from inflammation. The small air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead can become inflamed or blocked when you have hay fever. Finally, if you have asthma, you may find that hay fever worsens symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness. In fact, some people only experience asthma symptoms during hay fever season. People with hay fever are also much more likely to develop asthma.
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Hay fever can affect daily activities and should be treated with allergy treatments and lifestyle changes, such as limiting time spent outside. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, you should see a GP. It's important to recognize these unusual symptoms of hay fever. According to Rumeet Patel, "although less common, there are some more surprising symptoms of hay fever. As the pollen count rises, it's important the public recognise these unusual symptoms."
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