I’m a pharmacist – these are the 5 unusual symptoms of hay fever to watch out for

Sneezing, watery eyes and a stuffy nose – hay fever sufferers will be more than familiar with these uncomfortable symptoms as Britons sniff their way through the summer.

But a British pharmacist has revealed that the annoying seasonal allergy can manifest itself in a variety of ways.

Rumeet Patel, LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, told FEMAIL that you may experience excessive sweating, facial pain and even loss of taste or smell.

“While less common, there are more surprising symptoms of hay fever,” he explained.

“As pollen counts rise, it’s important for the public to recognize these unusual symptoms.”

Rumeet added: ‘In general, hay fever can be controlled through allergy treatments and lifestyle changes, such as limiting time spent outside.

However, some people experience hay fever symptoms that are so severe that it can affect daily activities such as sleeping and working.

‘In this case, or if your symptoms worsen or have not improved after 2-4 weeks of using pharmacist recommended treatments, you should see your GP.’

1. EXCESSIVE SWEATING

Rumeet said excessive sweating – in addition to being embarrassing – can also be caused by “stress, pain or when your immune system is fragile – all factors that can occur with hay fever.”

So if you’re sweating more than is normal for you in the summer heat, consider thinking about what other odd symptoms might be manifesting.

2. LOSS OF SMELL AND TASTE

“Although less common, loss of smell can be a symptom of hay fever,” Rumeet explains.

Also known as anosmia, inflammation in the nasal passages can impair our sense of smell.

“This is the body’s way of limiting the amount of pollen that reaches the nose.”

And since smell and taste are interrelated, you’ll probably notice some loss of the latter as well.

“Of course a loss or change of taste or smell is a symptom of COVID-19,” the expert warned.

“So consider testing or staying home and avoiding contact with others if you also have a fever or don’t feel well enough to do normal activities.”

3. HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE

Rumeet revealed that there is “also a link between headaches and hay fever.”

“Sinusitis can cause pressure to build up, resulting in sinus headaches,” he added.

“This tends to feel like there’s intense pressure in the head or behind the eyes.

‘The histamines that are released during a hay fever bill can also give rise to migraines.’

4. FACIAL PAIN

Facial pain for hay fever sufferers can occur due to pressure that results from inflammation.

“Many people don’t realize that hay fever can cause pain around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead,” says Rumeet.

“If you have hay fever, the air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead can become inflamed or clogged.”

5. ASTHMA

“If you have asthma, hay fever can exacerbate symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath,” the expert advised.

In fact, some people also find that they only experience asthma symptoms during hay fever season.

“People with hay fever are also much more likely to get asthma.”