Warning to hay fever sufferers as pollen levels soar in 2 parts of UK – are you at risk?
THE SUN is shining and for most hay fever sufferers that means puffy eyes and a sniffly nose.
For those that struggle, it’s worse between March and September, but there are two areas of the country Brits will be most affected in today.
Data from the Met Office states the people in the North West and Yorkshire & the Humber will experience high pollen levels for the rest of the week.
For those in the North, these levels will last until Saturday, bringing misery for many planning on visiting parks and natural beauty spots.
Rain hammered down in the regions yesterday evening, helping to circulate pollen into the atmosphere.
The majority of other regions have a medium pollen count, with several areas in Scotland having a low count.
Read more on hay fever
The rise in pollen comes as many have struggled to get hold of antihistamines – due to a shortage in a key ingredient.
Boots and Superdrug last week confirmed there is a shortage of an ingredient called chlorphenamine maleate.
It’s the active ingredient in hay fever remedies including Piriton, Allercalm, Allerief, Hayleve and Pollenase, and some pharmacy-branded pills.
To add to the misery, millions of Brits have already been warned of the dire consequences the hot weather brings with it.
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Those with asthma risk life-threatening attacks when the pollen count rises.
More than half of people living with asthma (59 per cent) say pollen can trigger symptoms such as a tight chest, wheezing and breathlessness.
A further quarter of those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) say the same, according to research from the charity.
Dr Manpreet Bains, GP at Thriva explained why people suffer with hay fever.
“Hayfever is a constellation of symptoms occurring at certain times of the year depending on what pollen you are allergic to.
“Tree pollen season classically runs from late March to mid-May, grass pollen season from mid-May to July, and weed pollen season from June until September.
How to banish hay fever symptoms
There are some remedies you can get over the counter that should help with symptoms.
But if these symptoms get worse and don’t improve then you should see your GP.
Dr Bains suggested these remedies:
Vitamin C: When it comes to diet, eating foods high in vitamin C have been linked to a lower likelihood of hayfever symptoms. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, peppers, broccoli and tomatoes.
Sunglasses: Try wearing a pair of wraparound sunglasses, this has been known to reduce the effect of pollen contact with the eyes.
Shower: Shower and wash your hair and change your clothes after spending time outdoors to remove any pollen particles from your skin and hair.
Drying clothes: During the summer it’s tempting to make the most of the weather and dry washed clothes outside on the line, however if you suffer with pollen allergies, drying washed clothes indoors can make a difference.
Balms: Nasal allergen balms applied to the outside of the nose can prevent pollen entering the airways. This can reduce the likelihood of hayfever symptoms from occurring.
Salt: Sometimes rinsing your nasal passages with a salt water solution can be helpful. This rinsing process can help to remove irritants inside your nose which can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms
Oily fish: A higher intake of fish oils, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish or through supplementation has been associated with a reduction in allergic conditions such as hay fever.
Stay indoors: For some people, they may prefer to stay indoors on days where the pollen count is very high and it may be helpful to take a look at the pollen forecast issued by the Met Office
Eye drops: Eye drops containing anti-histamine can also be helpful, especially if eye symptoms are a real issue. For troublesome nasal symptoms there are steroid nasal sprays that can help.
“It can affect one in five people at some point in their lives so chances are it either affects you, or someone you know. “
The expert explained that the condition is also known as allergic rhinitis or seasonal rhinitis.
This is when the eyes, nose, mouth and throat come into contact with tiny pollen particles and trigger an immune response – causing the body to react.
“The symptoms of this reaction can include itchy, watery and red eyes.
“Nasal symptoms can include a blocked or runny nose. Throat symptoms can include an itching sensation and soreness”, says Dr. Manpreet.
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Those with asthma are also cautioned they should be extra vigilant when the weather becomes humid.
Thunderstorms and wet weather can combine with pollen to heighten asthma symptoms, and potentially trigger an attack.
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