Hay Fever: Why do i get it so early?

I usually begin to get hay fever about four weeks before everyone else. Am I unusually sensitive?

Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:

The earliest symptoms of hay fever are caused by allergies to tree pollens. Later in the year, grass pollens are responsible for most hay fever symptoms. Only about 25 per cent of hay fever sufferers are sensitive to tree pollens. Grass pollens affect about 90 per cent of people who get symptoms. A combination of nasal sprays, eye drops and antihistamine tablets usually manage to control symptoms pretty effectively. Find the cheapest version of antihistamine tablets available. Last year I discovered that the same substance (loratadine) was on sale for anything from 39p to 2.65 for seven tablets.

Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.