Spring has most definitely sprung and while for many it’s a time of joy, one in four of us are already battling the annual onslaught of hay fever symptoms – and it’s set to get worse. This year, the Met Office issued its first hay fever alert earlier than usual thanks to the warmest February on record.
The mild temperatures saw alder tree pollen released a week early, while birch trees flowered two weeks ahead of schedule. Those early pollen bombs coupled with recent weather patterns have created a perfect storm for hay fever sufferers.
The mix of sunshine and showers are prime conditions for flowering trees, which have bloomed four weeks early, according to the National Trust, while the recent high winds have helped the pollen spread. Grass pollen is usually expected around mid-May, but even this was airborne a month earlier, while weed pollen season will last from late June to September.
This year, the Met Office has issued its first hay fever alert
Blame it on climate change, says Allergy UK. Rising temperatures mean allergens are hitting earlier and sticking around longer, so don’t be surprised if you’re sneezing as early as January next year. Cases of hay fever have tripled over the past 30 years and now affect one in four adults (26%) in the UK.
In fact, the UK has the joint highest incidence of hay fever globally, sharing the top spot with Sweden. It’s even worse for asthma sufferers.
According to Allergy UK, uncontrolled hay fever is a significant trigger and in 2014, 15% of asthma deaths were linked to hay fever. “Approximately 80% of people with asthma also suffer from hay fever, so for these people hay fever really is more than just a mild discomfort,” says Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK.
Hayfever sufferers have been warned of asthma
(Image: Getty)
So what can you do if you’re one of the millions affected? We might not be able to reverse the effects of global warming, but there are ways you can help yourself. “If a pollen bomb does hit, as well as the recommended treatment regime, we urge people to limit their exposure to pollen as much as possible,” says Amena.
Read on for our expert tips on how to do just that…
1. Get ahead of the game
“If you always have hay fever with a blocked nose, make sure you start your steroid nasal spray two weeks before the pollen season starts,” advises Amena. “Stock up on non-sedating antihistamines and a nasal saline douche, plus a nasal allergen barrier balm to stop the pollen entering your nose.”
2. Check out pollen forecasts
“It’s hard to avoid pollen, but try to plan daily activities to avoid being outside when pollen counts are high, including early morning and early evening,” says Holly Shaw, nurse adviser at Allergy UK. “Counts are also higher when the weather is warm and dry, and during thunderstorms when high winds draw higher levels of pollen and pollution particles into the air.”
Experts have advised to cover up to avoid pollen
3. Cover up and wash it out
“Pollen particles are super fine and sticky. Wearing a hat and sunglasses will help keep particles away from your hair and face,” advises Holly. “After being outside, shower, wash your hair and change clothes. Keeping windows and doors closed and not drying laundry outside helps keep pollen out too.”
4. Ask about immunotherapy
“Immunotherapy [where small doses of allergen are given via injection, drops or tablets to slowly build up immunity] for grass and tree pollen is available via many allergy services and is highly effective for those with severe hay fever symptoms,” says Amena. “It’s a three-year treatment so people must be committed, but it can really improve your quality of life.”
There are plenty of remedies to curb hayfever symptoms
5. Watch what you eat
Pollen food syndrome (PFS) is a hypersensitivity reaction to fruits, vegetables and nuts, and is a relatively common condition that affects about 2% of adults in the UK. Usually linked to sensitisation to grass, tree or weed pollen, PFS often affects people who suffer from spring or summertime hay fever.
It can also occur in people who don’t have hay fever symptoms but are sensitised to airborne pollen from trees, grasses or weeds. The most common pollen that‘s involved in PFS in the UK is birch tree pollen.
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