Hay fever all year round? What could be causing it
Short answer: pollen only causes symptoms in its season, so hay fever that carries on all year usually has another trigger. The most common are house dust mites, pet dander and mould spores. Doctors call this perennial allergic rhinitis. Some people have non-allergic rhinitis, where irritants rather than an allergy are to blame. An allergy blood test can show which triggers your immune system is reacting to, so you know what to avoid.
When pollen is the cause
In the UK, tree pollen tends to peak from late winter to spring, grass pollen from late spring to midsummer, and weed pollen in late summer into autumn. If your symptoms follow these seasons, pollen is the likely trigger. If they carry on through winter, or are worse indoors, something else is usually involved.
Common year-round triggers
House dust mites: the most common cause of year-round symptoms. They live in bedding, mattresses, carpets and soft furnishings, so symptoms are often worse at night or first thing in the morning.
Pets: cat and dog dander can stay in a home long after a pet has gone and can be carried on clothes.
Mould: spores from damp areas, bathrooms and condensation can trigger symptoms, often worse in autumn and winter.
Combined allergies: many people react to more than one trigger, for example grass pollen in summer and dust mites all year.
When it is not an allergy
Non-allergic rhinitis causes similar symptoms without an allergic cause. Common triggers include smoke, strong smells, changes in temperature, hormonal changes and overuse of decongestant nasal sprays. An allergy test that shows no relevant sensitisation can help point towards this.
How an allergy blood test helps
A blood test can check pollens, dust mites, storage mites, pet dander and moulds in one sample, without stopping your antihistamines. Knowing your actual triggers means you can focus on the changes that make a difference, rather than trying everything.
Our Advanced Allergy Blood Test checks around 300 allergens, including dust and storage mites, animal dander, moulds and pollens, for £399 all-inclusive with a clinician-reviewed report.
What can help
Reduce dust mites: wash bedding weekly at 60°C, use allergen-proof covers and keep bedrooms well aired.
Keep pets out of the bedroom if pet dander is a trigger.
Tackle damp and condensation to reduce mould.
Ask a pharmacist about antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and saline nasal rinses.
When to see a doctor
See your GP if your symptoms do not improve with pharmacy treatments, affect your sleep or breathing, or come with wheeze or asthma symptoms. Seek advice promptly if you have a blocked nose on one side only, frequent nosebleeds, or loss of smell that does not recover.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have hay fever in winter?
Pollen levels are very low in winter, so winter symptoms are more likely to be caused by dust mites, pets or mould, or by non-allergic rhinitis.
Why is my hay fever worse in the morning?
Dust mites in bedding are a common reason. Pollen counts can also rise in the morning on warm days during the pollen season.
Do I need to stop antihistamines before an allergy blood test?
No. Antihistamines do not affect an allergy blood test.
Sources
NHS: Hay fever
NHS: Allergic rhinitis
NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Allergic rhinitis
Related reading
This article is general information based on UK guidance. It is not personal medical advice. If you are worried about your health or have symptoms, speak to your GP or call 111. If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips or tongue or difficulty breathing, call 999.
