Measuring airborne grass allergen levels instead of pollen counts will be more beneficial for hay fever sufferers as new research shows grass allergen levels are more consistently associated with hay fever symptoms than grass pollen counts.
The research, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and led by King's College London and Imperial College London, shows that measuring airborne allergen levels will help people with hay fever better control their symptoms.
1 in 4 adults in the UK suffer from hay fever from late March to September. Symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and coughing, and itchy, red, or watery eyes. Hay fever can make lung conditions such as asthma worse, causing wheezing and breathing difficulties which can lead to hospitalisation.
Many people with hay fever monitor peak pollen times to manage their symptoms. In the UK, pollen grains are manually measured to find the daily pollen count. But authors of this study say measuring allergen levels instead will be more accurate as each pollen grain can release a different amount of allergen each day, and it is the allergens in the air that are primarily responsible for causing hay fever symptoms. Currently, there is no regular monitoring of allergen levels in the UK or elsewhere.
Authors collected daily symptoms and medication scores from adult participants in an allergy clinical trial as well as daily counts of asthma hospital admissions in London. They measured grass pollen counts but also sampled air for the grass pollen Phl p 5 grass allergen protein in the same location at King's College London over the same time period.
First author Dr. Elaine Fuertes, from Imperial College London, said: "Grass pollen is the most common hay fever trigger. In this study, we measured grass allergen (Phl p 5) levels and found this was more consistently associated with allergic respiratory symptoms than grass pollen counts.”
Senior author Professor Stephen Till, from King's College London, said: "High pollen season can be serious for people who suffer from hay fever, and can trigger severe asthma attacks in those who are allergic to grass pollen. This study shows there is a better way to measure pollen allergens in the air than the traditional pollen count. Monitoring grass allergen instead of grass pollen counts gives results that are more consistently linked to patients' symptoms and could allow people with serious allergies to be better prepared during the pollen season."
Allergists Advice on asthma and allergy
If you are someone with asthma, you know it can be a daily battle to keep your symptoms well controlled. And though most people think their asthma is managed, the truth is, if their symptoms are unchecked, they may suffer from unnecessary asthma and allergy flares.
May is Asthma and Allergy Month, a perfect time to remind people what it looks and feels like when their asthma is well controlled, says my GP. If you are among the millions living with asthma, you may not know that one of the best specialists to see is an allergist.
Many people do not know if allergists are specially trained asthma experts. They are medical doctors who complete additional fellowship training focused specifically on asthma and allergic disease, which means they are uniquely equipped to identify triggers, develop personalized treatment plans, and help patients achieve real control over their symptoms.
The Allergy-Asthma Connection
One of the most overlooked aspects of asthma management is the role that allergies play in triggering flares. Allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites are among the most common culprits behind worsening asthma symptoms. In fact, allergic asthma is the most generic form of the disease.
Among the first things an allergist will explore is whether uncontrolled allergies are making a patient’s asthma worse. Treating the underlying allergy — through avoidance strategies, medication, or immunotherapy — can make a dramatic difference in how often someone experiences asthma symptoms.
Tips for Keeping Asthma and Allergies Under Control
Allergists recommend several key strategies for better asthma management:
· Get a personalized asthma action plan. A written asthma action plan, developed with your allergist, outlines what medications to take daily, how to recognize when symptoms are worsening, and what steps to take during a flare. This simple tool can prevent unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
· Know your triggers. Allergy testing can help identify the specific environmental triggers worsening your allergy or asthma. Once identified, targeted steps can be taken to reduce exposure.
· Do not settle for "good enough." Many allergy sufferers and asthma patients assume that frequent symptoms, nighttime awakenings, or reliance on a rescue inhaler are simply part of life. They do not have to be. Well-controlled allergiesa and asthma means few to no daily symptoms.
· Take your medications as prescribed. Controller medications work best when taken consistently, even when you are feeling well. Skipping doses can leave airways inflamed and vulnerable to triggers. Biologic medication might be a treatment option for more severe asthma.
· Stay current on your care. Allergies and Asthma can change over time. Regular check-ins with your allergist help ensure your treatment plan keeps pace with your needs.
Asthma and Allergy Awareness come at a particularly challenging time of year when spring pollen counts surge and outdoor allergen exposure peaks. It is an ideal moment for patients to reassess their current treatment and connect with a specialist.
References,
King's College London. "Measuring grass pollen allergens instead of grass pollen count will help hay fever sufferers." ScienceDaily, 8 January 2024. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Newswise — ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. April 15, 2026