Springtime brings longer days, blooming flowers, and unfortunately for many, a resurgence of asthma and allergy symptoms. While this season signals renewal for most, for people managing respiratory conditions, it can pose additional health challenges, particularly for those participating in clinical trials. If you’re involved in a clinical study this spring, careful preparation and awareness are crucial to ensure both your safety and the integrity of the trial results.
Understanding the Springtime Triggers
Spring is notorious for high pollen counts across the UK, with trees, grasses, and flowers releasing pollen into the air. This can exacerbate hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma symptoms, leading to coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation. In fact, seasonal allergic rhinitis affects approximately 20% of the UK population, with 10–15% of children and 26% of adults experiencing symptoms¹. In urban areas, seasonal allergies may be compounded by air pollution, creating a perfect storm for respiratory flare-ups. A study by the University of Manchester found that hay fever symptoms were roughly twice as severe in urban areas compared to rural ones, highlighting the impact of pollution on allergy sufferers².
If you’re participating in a clinical trial, particularly one investigating respiratory conditions, immunology, or general health, it’s essential to recognise that spring-related symptoms could impact study outcomes.
Top Tips for Managing Symptoms During Trials
Communicate Openly with Study Teams
From the outset, inform the clinical trial team if you have a history of seasonal allergies or asthma. Throughout the study, report any flare-ups immediately, even if you think they are minor. Transparency ensures that your data is interpreted correctly and that your health remains the top priority.
Follow Your Personal Action Plan
Many asthma patients already have an asthma action plan designed with their GP or specialist nurse. If you don’t have one, it’s worth organising before the pollen season peaks. Adhering to prescribed preventer inhalers, antihistamines, or other allergy medications helps maintain control and may prevent emergency interventions that could disrupt your participation.
Monitor Pollen Counts and Air Quality
Several weather apps and websites offer daily pollen forecasts for different regions in the UK. Keeping an eye on high-risk days allows you to take proactive measures, such as avoiding parks during peak times or keeping windows closed. Air purifiers at home can also reduce indoor pollen exposure.
Plan Your Activities Thoughtfully
Outdoor activities are a great part of spring, but timing matters. Pollen levels are typically highest early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Planning walks, errands, or exercise for midday when pollen counts dip can make a noticeable difference in symptom management.
Be Cautious with Over-the-Counter Remedies
If you’re enrolled in a clinical trial, you may be asked to avoid certain medications unless approved by the research team. Some over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants could interfere with study drugs or skew trial data. Always check before taking anything new.
Why Symptom Management Matters for Clinical Trials
Clinical trials rely on accurate data to determine the safety and efficacy of new treatments. If asthma or allergy symptoms flare up significantly and go unreported, researchers might misattribute side effects or misunderstand the drug’s true impact. Conversely, trial participation can sometimes offer access to new therapies that may benefit asthma and allergy management in unexpected ways.
Your well-being remains the study team’s foremost concern. If seasonal symptoms become unmanageable, it’s better to discuss options openly rather than risk worsening your health or compromising the study.
Spring clinical trial participation plays a vital role in advancing new treatments for asthma and allergic diseases, which affect millions of people worldwide. With careful symptom management and clear communication, volunteers can help drive the development of more effective therapies while supporting their own health and the future of respiratory care.
Sources
Roberts G, Xatzipsalti M, Borrego LM, Custovic A, Halken S, Hellings PW, et al. Paediatric rhinitis: Position paper of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Clin Exp Allergy [Internet]. 2018 Jan [cited 2025 April 23]. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cea.12953
About Manchester. People in urban areas have worse hay fever symptoms, Manchester study finds [Internet]. 2023 Jul 26 [cited 2025 April 23]. Available from: https://aboutmanchester.co.uk/people-in-urban-areas-have-worse-hay-fever-symptoms-manchester-study-finds/
