TRUE or FALSE

Hay fever

1 TRUE Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the UK, affecting around 13 million people.

2 FALSE There are many substances that can act as allergy triggers. Indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, pet hair and certain types of mould.

3 TRUE The time of year when you begin to experience hay fever symptoms depends on the types of pollen you’re allergic to. Trees release their pollen in March to early May, while grasses release pollen from late May to early August.

4 TRUE Antihistamines are the usual treatment for the main symptoms, such as itchy and watery eyes, while steroid nasal sprays are the main treatment for a stuffy nose.

5 FALSE Pollen levels are actually higher at night. Throughout the day pollen rises in the air and then descends over night as the temperature drops. This increases the amount of pollen at ground level and is why hay fever might feel worse in the morning.