Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Pollen grains contain large amounts of specific proteins that cause allergic reactions in people. These very small substances, known as allergens, are responsible for the seasonal allergic rhinitis – known as ‘hay fever’.
Allergy-inducing pollens (aero-allergens) are carried by air currents and the wind. Pollens can travel long distances. You may experience a reaction to a certain type of pollen even if the source plant does not grow nearby.
In the U.K., most native trees, including hazel, alder, poplar, oak, birch, beech, and pine, rely on the wind to spread their pollen. However, trees and shrubs that have heavily scented brightly coloured flowers (e.g. azaleas, roses) rely on bees and other insects to spread their pollen.
Pollen Count:
The pollen season, when trees and grasses are shedding their pollen, starts earlier in the south and west of England than it does in the north. A mild spring means an early start to the pollen season. While each aero-allergen has its own particular season, the following table can be used as a guide to the main types of allergens.
| Allergen | Months | Season |
| Trees | Feb - May | Spring |
| Grasses | June - July | Mid Summer |
| Weeds | Aug – Sept | Late Summer/ early Autumn |
Pollen counts are higher during hot, dry or windy weather. Rain helps keep the pollen levels down.
The amount of pollen in the environment also rises and falls during different times of the day. It is higher mid-morning, early evening and at night. The pollen count is at its lowest in the early afternoon.
During the pollen season, the pollen count is broadcast on the TV/radio and published in the daily newspapers.
Steroid and Antihistamine Therapy:
Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce and/or control your symptoms (e.g. runny nose, sneezing, itching and watery eyes). The main treatment is the use of steroid-based nasal sprays to treat nasal symptoms. Eye drops may also be used. This type of treatment has proved to be very effective and safe. For the best results, it is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Antihistamine tablets that do not cause drowsiness can be used to suppress the body’s immediate reaction to the allergy-causing pollen. They can also be used to prevent the onset of symptoms once the specific allergen has been identified.
Allergen Avoidance:
While it is impossible to totally avoid being exposed to air-borne pollens, the following measures can help to reduce your exposure to them.
- Monitor pollen count information and plan your activities accordingly
- Keep windows/ doors shut as much as possible during the pollen season
- Air your houses during times when the pollen count is at its lowest (i.e. middle of the day)
- Avoid walking in open grassy spaces and tree-lined pathway
- After playing an outdoor sport, change your clothes as soon as possible after the game has ended
- Ask someone else, who does not have hay fever, to mow the lawn and/or rake leaves
- Wear sunglasses when outside or near an open window/door
- Drive with the car windows up, whenever possible. If your car has air-conditioning, choose ‘ recycle’ rather than ‘flow-through’
- During the pollen season, take holidays near the sea or if travelling overseas try a region with a different pollen season.
Other sources of information about allergies:
The British Society For Allergy & Clinical Immunology www.
Allergy UK http:/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/029
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.