Hay fever and allergic rhinitis are caused by the immune system’s overreaction to pollen and other airborne allergens such as dust and pet dander. This releases too many histamines, which cause hay fever symptoms; sneezing, a runny, stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes and nasal congestion. How can runners reduce their suffering?
Avoiding the allergen is the first line of defence, says Max Wiseberg, an expert in airborne allergens. “If you can, try to train when there is least pollen around, so you breathe in less,” he says. “Peak pollen times are early morning and evening.”