Why do we get hay fever?

About this episode

The episode explores hay fever, its causes, symptoms, and management strategies.

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to hay fever. What is it, why do so many of us get it, and is it getting worse? They break down what’s happening in the body, how to tell it apart from a cold, and why timing matters when it comes to treatment. They also explore what actually works to manage symptoms, and what doesn’t. To help them get to the root of it, they’re joined by Stephen Till, Professor of Allergy at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and King's College London. If you want to get in touch, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Researcher: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Visual Producer: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris van Tulleken, Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Stephen Till

Topics covered

• hay fever
• allergy
• health
• treatment
• symptoms

Keywords

• hay fever
• allergy
• treatment
• symptoms
• cold

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, King's College London, BBC Radio 4, Loftus Media

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