Anyone who has ever suffered from hay fever will tell you how miserable it can make you feel.

If that isn't bad enough you are affected when the weather is nice and you are meant to be happily spending your time outside with your friends!

So what is hay fever and what happens?

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, occurs when the protein in the outer coating of pollen come into contact with the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes. The mast cells in these areas release histamine in response which results in inflammation giving us the typical symptoms of sneezing, itchy eyes and palate as well as tiredness and irritability.

You may not realise that the time of year your sympotms appear are detemined by the pollen you are sensitive to.

For example February - May indicates a sensitivity to tree pollen, June - July is down to grasses and July - August is an intolerance to weeds (e.g. nettles).

Importantly, hay fever, can indicate underlying problems including other intolerances which is why it is essential to get it treated. This is why when you suffer from hay fever you are more likely to suffer from asthma and eczema too.

Only a holistic approach will address all of these issues whilst strengthening your overall health at the same time. Merely addressing the release of histamine acts like a sticking plaster rather than dealing with the cause.