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Longer Pollen Seasons Linked to Climate Change
A major new report from the Lancet Countdown has revealed that climate change is already harming people’s health across Europe, with allergy sufferers among those affected.
The report highlights how the pollen season has become one to two weeks longer on average in 2015-2024, compared with 1991-2000, increasing exposure for the millions of people living with hay fever and other allergies.
At Allergy UK, the findings reflect what many in the allergy community have already been experiencing. Over recent years, people living with hay fever have reported that their symptoms are becoming more severe and longer lasting, a trend now supported by the data.
Despite affecting millions, hay fever is often underestimated. Many people continue to suffer in silence, feeling their condition is not taken seriously. However, poorly controlled hay fever can have serious consequences, including worsening conditions such as allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema.
It can also have a significant impact on young people, particularly during exam periods when pollen levels peak, affecting concentration [1], sleep and overall performance. [2, 3]
Anne Biggs, our Deputy Head of Clinical Services adds:
Hay fever impacts millions of people in the UK each year. While for some their symptoms can be mild, for many their hay fever symptoms impacts their quality of life. It can mean missed days at work, poor sleep and, for some teenagers and young people, active hay fever symptoms can mean they drop an academic grade in their exams.
Rare, but serious allergic eye conditions such as VKC are also impacted by longer pollen seasons. Poorly controlled hay fever can worsen or exacerbate other allergic conditions such as asthma or eczema.
Research and understanding into the timing and length of the different pollen seasons is vital to support clinicians ensure treatment and management of allergic conditions can be optimised. Research and details of air quality is equally as important as it can exacerbate allergic diseases such as asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Allergy Awareness Week is raising awareness on essential information that can support those living with allergic disease by using the ‘I Wish I Knew’ campaign to spread awareness.
It is an opportunity to raise awareness on not only the impact of hay fever, but the treatment options available to ensure people with pollen allergies can live symptom free.
For more information and advice on managing hay fever, visit our ‘Hay fever and allergic rhinitis’ pages on Allergy UK’s website, where you will find expert guidance, tips and support.
If you are experiencing symptoms for the first time and are not sure where to start, our Self-Help Hub offers symptom checkers and services to help you better understand what you may be experiencing.
Pharmacies are also a valuable first point of contact, offering expert advice on treatment options if you are unsure how to manage your symptoms.
References:
[1] Allergic rhinitis leads to daytime fatigue and decreased cognitive functioning. (Léger et al. Arch Intern Med. 2006)
[2] School students with active hay fever sitting GCSE exams are 40% more likely to drop a grade between their “mocks” and final exams, and 70% more likely if taking sedating antihistamines. (Walker et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007)
[3] Hugg, T. T., Lehto, J., Jaakkola, J. J. K., et al. (2026). Pollen exposure and matriculation exam performance among students in Finland. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. https://jech.bmj.com/content/80/5/287