HEALTH TOOLS
Hay Fever Severity Score
Five-question assessment based on the ARIA guidelines (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma), endorsed by the World Health Organisation. Find out if your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.
ARIA Severity Classification
| Classification | Duration | Impact on Daily Life |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Intermittent | Less than 4 days/week or less than 4 weeks | No effect on sleep, work, or daily activities |
| Mild Persistent | 4 or more days/week for 4 or more weeks | No effect on sleep, work, or daily activities |
| Moderate-Severe Intermittent | Less than 4 days/week or less than 4 weeks | Affects sleep, work, school, or leisure |
| Moderate-Severe Persistent | 4 or more days/week for 4 or more weeks | Affects sleep, work, school, or leisure |
Bousquet J, et al. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2008 Update. Allergy. Endorsed by WHO. Referenced in NICE CKS: Allergic Rhinitis.
This assessment is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, or symptoms that do not respond to over-the-counter treatment, consult your pharmacist or GP. Clinically reviewed by Tahir Hameed, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (GPhC: 2210908).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ARIA classification for hay fever?
ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) is a WHO-endorsed guideline used worldwide to classify allergic rhinitis severity. It classifies symptoms as intermittent or persistent, and mild or moderate-severe, based on duration and impact on daily activities.
When is hay fever season in the UK?
UK hay fever season typically runs from late March to September. Tree pollen peaks in March to May, grass pollen (the most common trigger) peaks in May to July, and weed pollen peaks in June to September. The Met Office provides daily pollen forecasts.
When should I see a pharmacist or GP about hay fever?
See your pharmacist first for over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays. See your GP if symptoms persist despite treatment, if you have asthma that worsens during pollen season, or if symptoms significantly affect your work, sleep, or daily activities.
Can hay fever cause asthma symptoms?
Yes. Up to 80 percent of asthma patients also have allergic rhinitis, and poorly managed hay fever can trigger asthma attacks. NICE and BTS/SIGN guidelines recommend treating both conditions together. If you wheeze or feel breathless during pollen season, speak to your GP.
Does this tool store my health data?
No. All scoring runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No answers are sent to any server, stored in any database, or shared with any third party.
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