Guwahati, May 25 -- Samuel J. White, York St John University and Philippe B. Wilson, York St John University

Hay fever can be annoying at the best of times. But this year, many people are reporting their usual symptoms are worse than ever before - with their normal go-to remedies doing little to provide relief.

Here's what you can do if you're finding that nothing seems to be helping your itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose this year.

There are several reasons why hay fever is so bad right now. Climate change and pollution have lengthened and intensified pollen seasons, so trees and grasses now release allergens earlier and for longer. Urban smog may even make pollen grains more potent.

In the UK, 2025's unusually dry and warm spring ...