A massive pollen bomb has hit the UK, causing significant hayfever symptoms across the nation. Bolton is the most susceptible city to hayfever, followed closely by Croydon and Manchester.
Research Methodology
The study analysed online search volumes for various hayfever-related terms, such as ‘hayfever injection’ and ‘loratadine tablets’, to determine the top ten cities most affected by hayfever this summer. The research highlights the cities with the highest average monthly search volume per 100,000 people.
Most Hayfever-Prone Cities
Bolton tops the list, with an average monthly search volume of 1,507 per 100,000 people. In Bolton, ‘antihistamine’ is the leading search term with 223 searches, followed by ‘cetirizine’ and ‘pollen count.
Croydon is in second place, with a monthly average of 1,301 searches per 100,000 residents ‘Loratadine’ is the third most searched term in Croydon, with 140 searches, preceded by ‘cetirizine’ and ‘antihistamine’.
Manchester is third, with ‘pollen count’ being the most searched term, with 201 searches. The city has an average monthly search volume of 1,227 per 100,000 people, with ‘antihistamine’ and ‘hayfever’ being other commonly searched terms.
Here is a summary of the top ten cities most affected by hayfever:
| Rank | U.K. city | Average monthly searches (per 100,000 people) |
| 1 | Bolton | 1,507 |
| 2 | Croydon | 1,301 |
| 3 | Manchester | 1,227 |
| 4 | Lincoln | 1,217 |
| 5 | Peterborough | 1,110 |
| 6 | Bath | 1,067 |
| 7 | Leeds | 1,041 |
| 8 | Bristol | 1,033 |
| 9 | Wakefield | 1,028 |
| 10 | Salford | 1,006 |
Least Affected Cities On the other hand, Oxford is the city with the lowest allergy-related search volume, averaging just 151 searches per 100,000 people each month. ‘Pollen count’ is the third most searched term in Oxford, with 27 searches, following ‘cetirizine’ and ‘antihistamine’.
Derby ranks second, with an average monthly search volume of 159 per 100,000 people. ‘Loratadine’ is the third most searched term, with 415 searches, following ‘cetirizine’ and ‘antihistamine’.
Here is a summary of the top ten cities least affected by hayfever:
Rank U.K. Average Monthly Searches by City (per 100,000 Residents)
| Rank | U.K. city | Average monthly searches (per 100,000 people) |
| 1 | Oxford | 151 |
| 2 | Derby | 159 |
| 3 | Kingston upon Hull | 197 |
| 4 | Cardiff | 206 |
| 5 | Birkenhead | 221 |
| 6 | Southend-on-Sea | 226 |
| 7 | Nottingham | 265 |
| 8 | Poole | 274 |
| 9 | Woking | 280 |
| 10 | Stoke-on-Trent | 295 |
Expert Tips to Reduce Hayfever Symptoms
Barry Atkins, CEO of Tester.co.uk, commented on the findings, noting that 16 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever. He offered several expert tips to alleviate hayfever symptoms without relying solely on antihistamines:
Avoid histamine-rich foods: These include cured meats, bananas, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spinach. Alcohol is also high in histamines and can worsen symptoms.
Consume anti-hayfever foods: Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which dilates nasal passages. Garlic has decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Use Vaseline and sunglasses: Applying petroleum jelly around the nostrils can trap pollen. Wearing wraparound sunglasses with side shields can protect eyes from allergens.
Change clothes and shower: After spending time outdoors, change clothes and shower to wash away pollen. Pets can also carry pollen in their fur, exacerbating symptoms.
By following these tips, individuals can better manage hayfever symptoms during this high pollen season.
