I’m a pharmacist and these are 5 unusual hay fever symptoms to look for
Sneezing, watery eyes and a stuffy nose – hay fever sufferers will be more familiar with these uncomfortable symptoms as Brits sniff their way through summer.
But a UK pharmacist has revealed that pesky seasonal allergies can manifest themselves in a number of ways.
Rumit Patel, Lloyd’s Pharmacy Online doctor, told FEMAIL that you may experience excessive sweating, sore mouth and even loss of taste or smell.
‘Though less common, hay fever has some more surprising symptoms,’ he explained.
‘As pollen counts rise, it’s important for the public to recognize these unusual symptoms.’
Dr Rumit Patel, Lloyds Pharmacy Online, told FEMAIL of the unusual hay fever symptoms
Rumit added: ‘Usually, hay fever can be managed with allergy treatment and lifestyle changes such as limiting time spent outdoors.
‘However, some people experience hay fever symptoms so bad that it can affect daily activities such as sleep and work.
‘In this case, or if your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 2-4 weeks of taking the treatment recommended by the pharmacist, you should see your GP.’
1. Excessive sweating
Rumit said excessive sweating – as well as embarrassment – can be caused by ‘stress, pain or when your immune system is weakened – all factors that can lead to hay fever’.
So, if you’re sweating more than usual for you in the summer heat, think about what other strange symptoms might be manifesting.
2. Loss of smell and taste
‘Although less common, loss of smell can be a symptom of hay fever,’ Rumit explained.
‘Also known as anosmia, inflammation in the nasal passages can affect our sense of smell.
‘It’s the body’s way of limiting the amount of pollen that reaches the nose.’
And because smell and taste are connected, you’re probably noticing some loss of the latter as well.
‘Of course, a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell is a symptom of COVID-19,’ warns the expert.
‘Therefore, you should consider getting tested 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.’
3. Headaches and Migraines
Rumit revealed that ‘there is also a link between headaches and hay fever’.
“Inflammation of the sinuses can create pressure that causes sinus headaches,” he adds.
‘It feels as if there is intense pressure inside the head or behind the eyes.
‘Histamine released during a hay fever account can also trigger a migraine.’
4. Mouth pain
People with hay fever may experience pain in the mouth due to pressure from the inflammation.
‘Many people don’t realize that hay fever can cause pain around the cheeks, eyes and forehead,’ said Rumit.
‘When you have hay fever, the small air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead can become inflamed or blocked.’
5. Asthma
‘If you have asthma, you can make hay fever symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath worse,’ advises the expert.
‘In fact, some people even find that they only experience asthma symptoms during hay fever season.
‘People with hay fever are also more likely to develop asthma.’
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