Doctors' Notes: Hay fever

Doctors' Notes: Hay fever

From What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

May 19, 2026 · 21 min · Episode 143

About this episode

The episode explores the increasing prevalence of hay fever and its contributing factors, featuring insights from Professor Stephen Till.

In this Doctors' Notes episode of What’s Up Docs?, Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper dive into hay fever with Professor Stephen Till. The docs and their guest explore whether hay fever is really becoming more common, and if so, why. From climate change and air pollution to changes in our environment and biodiversity, they unpack the factors that may be making symptoms worse. They also look at how hay fever varies around the world, including why treatments like allergy injections are more widely used in some countries than others. Along the way, they tackle common myths and share practical advice for managing hay fever more effectively. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Jo Rowntree Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Kirsten Lass Assistant Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Researcher: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Social Media: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris van Tulleken, Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Professor Stephen Till

Topics covered

  • hay fever
  • climate change
  • air pollution
  • biodiversity
  • allergy treatments
  • myths
  • practical advice

Keywords

  • hay fever
  • climate change
  • allergy injections
  • air pollution
  • biodiversity
  • symptoms
  • treatment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Loftus Media

More episodes of What's Up Docs?

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the What's Up Docs? podcast page.