Hay fever-sufferer forced to miss brother’s wedding said ‘it ruined my life’

A woman was left devastated after severe hay fever forced her to miss her brother’s wedding. Jasmine Lowdon, 35, was unable to attend the special occasion due to debilitating symptoms that left her with red, swollen eyes and sleepless nights.

Jasmine has been battling seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, since she was 25. The condition causes a congested nose, relentless sneezing, coughing fits, and constant sleep deprivation.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passage triggered by inhaling pollen. This results in severe sneezing, congestion, and a persistent feeling of exhaustion for Jasmine.

Despite her best efforts to attend her brother’s wedding at a Plymouth hotel in June 2018, Jasmine had to stay home. She relied on photos and videos from family members to feel included in the day’s events.

Speaking about the disappointment of missing her brother’s wedding, she said: “I was beyond devastated. Thankfully, he understood my reasons, but it didn’t make it any easier not to be there; being there vicariously through photos and videos wasn’t the same.”

Reflecting on how hay fever has affected her life, Jasmine added: “Hay fever ruined my life – no matter what I tried, nothing seemed to work. The sleepless nights, congested nose, and constant streaming eyes and nose – it takes over your life.

“It affected my work and social life as I wouldn’t want to meet up with the girls after work,” she confessed.

She further explained: “It got so bad, I couldn’t sleep at night, and worst of all, my nose would swell so much at times that I felt like I could barely breathe. I tried everything to pinpoint the trigger – changing my diet, deep-cleaning my home, even avoiding flowers and perfumes – but nothing made a difference.”

But Jasmine is not the only person who suffers significantly from Hay Fever. Research commissioned by Viatris Healthcare UK Ltd for Dymista CONTROL, an over-the-counter nasal spray for hay fever symptoms, disclosed that 55% of hay fever sufferers have had to miss personal milestones or celebrations due to their symptoms.

Many reported missing sports events, and their condition has even impacted professional commitments. Over the past year, respondents said they had missed an average of two workdays because of hay fever.

During peak pollen seasons, 35% said they had to cancel plans monthly or more often due to their symptoms, with one in 10 admitting they cancel plans every week. Out of the 1,000 people polled, 88% confessed they avoid outdoor activities entirely during high-pollen periods.