Can You Get Hay Fever Later in Life?

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a very common condition that affects around 10-30% of adults in the UK each year. Traditionally considered an illness that starts in childhood, many people wonder about “Can you get hay fever later in life?”. It turns out that hay fever can actually develop for the first time much later in life. 

In this article, we will explore how and why hay fever can strike adults, the telltale signs and symptoms to watch out for, the best treatment options, and how to make an appointment online with specialists at Medstar Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic as we offer private healthcare treatment solutions with our expert ENT team. Let’s start!

Can You Develop Hay Fever as an Adult?

The short answer for “Can you develop hay fever as an adult?” is yes—it is perfectly possible to develop hay fever for the first time as an adult, even if you have never struggled with allergies before. While many people are diagnosed in their childhood or teenage years, it is estimated that around 1 in 5 hay fever patients actually experience their first symptoms as adults over the age of 20.

So what causes this late-onset hay fever? Genetics plays a big role—around 1 in 3 adults carry a genetic susceptibility to developing allergies. However, not everyone who has the genes will necessarily get sick. Experts believe certain environmental factors may spark an allergic reaction in adulthood for susceptible individuals:

• Exposure to new allergens upon moving to a new home or city

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause

• Changes in diet, lifestyle, or stress levels

• Viral infections that impact the immune system

• Increased pollution from living in urban areas

So even if you managed to avoid hay fever in your younger years, it is still possible that you may experience it during your adulthood. Therefore, it is better to look out for symptoms of hay fever in spring and summer as an adult.

Additionally, if you would like to learn more about hay fever, make sure to check out “How to Cure Hay Fever Permanently?”, “Can Hay Fever Cause Laryngitis? London ENT Clinic”, and “Can Hay Fever Affect One Eye?”.

When is Hay Fever Season UK?

In the UK, the main hay fever seasons are:

• Tree pollen season is late March to mid-May. Trees like birch, hazel, alder, and willow shed their pollen.

• Grass pollen season is mid-May to July. Grass pollen is the most common cause of hay fever in the UK.

• Weed pollen season is late June to September. Weeds like nettles, dock, and ragweed release their pollen.

For most patients, the peak of their hay fever symptoms will occur during one or both of the tree and grass pollen seasons. However, if you are allergic to multiple triggers, symptoms may persist for much of the spring and summer. Knowing which pollen affects you most helps spot peak seasons to watch out for raised symptoms.

In this regard, if you search for “Best Private Health Clinic for ENT in London Near Me” Medstar London is here for you. Our doctors are experts in their field and provide solutions that are tailored to your individual needs.

Can You Get Hay Fever All Year Round?

While the vast majority of hay fever cases flare up only seasonally, symptoms can persist throughout the entire year for some people. This is known as perennial allergic rhinitis. Instead of pollens, the culprit allergens tend to be:

• House dust mites—tiny bugs that thrive in soft furnishings like mattresses, pillows, and sofas.

• Mould spores—common indoor molds like cladosporium and alternaria.

• Animal dander and fur—especially problems for pet owners.

• Cockroach and rodent droppings.

If your allergic rhinitis symptoms rage on regardless of pollen levels of the season, bring it up with an ENT specialist. They may recommend allergy tests and year-round treatment plans tailored to your perennial triggers.

Is There a Cure for Hay Fever?

While no true cure exists quite yet, regular allergen immunotherapy (AIT) comes closest by retraining the immune system over time. With consistent treatments, many patients achieve years of remission from symptoms even after stopping AIT.

Other therapies show promise but still have limitations:

• Omalizumab (Xolair) - An injectable biologic drug that binds to IgE antibodies to reduce allergic inflammation. Most effective for moderate-severe persistent asthma + rhinitis combo. Needs ongoing injections.

• DNA immunotherapy - A newer approach uses genetic material of pollen allergens that may induce tolerance through a different immune pathway than AIT. Still in early trials.

• Nasalepithelial cell therapy—Transplanting patients' own cells cultured in a lab to reline the nose—may create an artificial protective barrier. Requires further research.

No one should lose hope. The future of hay fever treatment continues advancing at a rapid pace. For now, combination therapies through experts at Medstar Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic in London, offer the most effective relief available today. With close monitoring and adherence to treatment plans, living well with hay fever is absolutely possible.

How Do You Cure Hay Fever?

Unfortunately, there is no single cure for hay fever that works for everyone. However, Medstar Clinic offers several highly effective treatment options to provide relief:

• Antihistamines—oral tablets and nasal sprays—block histamine release to reduce itching, sneezing, and congestion.

• Nasal corticosteroid sprays—like fluticasone—tamp down inflammation in the nasal passages.

• Decongestant sprays or tablets relieve severe congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nose.

• Eye drops are antihistamine formulas to soothe itchy, watery eyes.

• Allergen immunotherapy (AIT)—also called desensitisation—gives controlled allergen doses to gradually build tolerance over 3-5 years. Can provide long-term remission of symptoms once treatment ends. Considered the only potentially curative option for hay fever currently.

Multiple treatments combined may work best for stubborn cases. Non-medicinal methods like air filters and pollen forecasts can also help patients manage flare-ups. With guidance from our London ENT experts, most patients can gain good relief from symptoms.

How to Get an Appointment with Medstar London ENT Clinic?

If you have been experiencing symptoms year-round or have concerns about developing late-onset hay fever, getting seen at Medstar Clinic is highly recommended. Our specialists have experience diagnosing and managing all types of hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

To book an initial consultation at our convenient location around London, simply book an appointment online whether via our website or the Medstar app. You can easily download the Medstar app on the Google Play Store or App Store, according to your smartphone or tablet.

However, you might like to directly contact us. You can contact us via call, email, or WhatsApp. An administrator will gather your details and insurance information to schedule you for the soonest available appointment slot.

Getting properly evaluated by an ENT expert is the first step towards gaining relief. We will perform symptom assessments, allergy tests if needed, examine your nasal passages, and review your medical history. From there, a fully customized treatment plan will be designed to help control your specific triggers, whether seasonal or year-round.

Take action against hay fever symptoms with Medstar today. Our expert specialists at Medstar Clinic are ready to help diagnose and treat even late-onset cases effectively. Book your appointment online now for a consultation!

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