Study suggests tracking airborne allergens is a more accurate way to manage hay fever symptoms than traditional pollen counts.

A new study led by King’s College London and Imperial College London suggests that measuring airborne allergens could be a more effective method for managing hay fever symptoms than relying on traditional pollen counts. The research, which focused on grass pollen and its allergenic protein Phl p 5, shows that monitoring allergen levels rather than just pollen counts might offer better insight into the severity of allergic reactions.

Researchers involved in the study monitored a group of 93 patients with moderate to severe hay fever, all participants in the PollenLITE trial at Guy’s Hospital, London. These patients kept diaries detailing their daily symptoms and medication use, while the research team simultaneously measured the levels of Phl p 5 in the air. The study found that Phl p 5 was more closely linked to the intensity of allergic reactions than the overall pollen count.

Dr Elaine Fuertes, the first author of the study, explained that the levels of Phl p 5 protein were “more consistently associated with allergic respiratory symptoms than grass pollen counts.” This new approach could significantly improve how people with hay fever prepare for and manage their symptoms during peak pollen seasons.

Professor Stephen Till, senior author of the study, highlighted that the traditional method of measuring pollen counts does not provide a complete picture of how severe the allergic reactions might be. “High pollen seasons can be especially serious for hay fever sufferers, sometimes triggering severe asthma attacks in those allergic to grass pollen,” he said. “By focusing on measuring allergens instead of just pollen, we can offer more accurate guidance for individuals with serious allergies.”

This approach could help sufferers be better prepared for the pollen season, giving them a more precise understanding of the allergen levels in the air and allowing for timely interventions. In the UK, hay fever affects an estimated one in four people during the warmer months, with symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation. Weather conditions like rain, wind, and temperature have a significant effect on the dispersal of pollen, and daily pollen forecasts are regularly published to help people anticipate allergy flare-ups.

Margaret Kelman, a specialist allergy nurse at Allergy UK, expressed the charity’s interest in the findings, noting that this research could help people manage their hay fever and seasonally affected asthma more effectively. While there is no cure for hay fever, sufferers can use treatments like antihistamines and steroids to manage symptoms. The NHS also recommends practical measures like staying indoors during peak pollen times, keeping windows closed, showering after outdoor activities to wash off pollen, and regular cleaning of indoor spaces.

This study highlights the potential for a more personalised approach to managing hay fever, allowing people with severe allergies to better anticipate their symptoms and take action before they are affected by high allergen levels.