Warning to millions with hayfever as Met Office issues ‘very high’ pollen alert – check map of hotspots to avoid
HAY FEVER sufferers have been hit with a stern warning as the Met Office has warned of ‘very high’ pollen levels.
Those afflicted can check a map Britain’s hay fever hot spots below.
It comes after the University of Worcester’s latest weekly pollen forecast last week revealed that high levels of alder pollen were likely to continue for another week, presenting a “high risk during mild, dry weather”.
As we transition from April into May, Wales, South East England, and both the East and West Midlands are set to encounter a high risk of birch pollen, according to university forecasts.
Although the grass pollen season is still some weeks off, hay fever sufferers are already contending with the tree pollen season, which experts say can start as early as January.
Yolanda Clewlow, the Met Office’s pollen forecast manager, said: “The pollen season has already started and people with a sensitivity to tree pollen may have noticed the early tree species in the air.
“For those who are allergic to birch pollen, the season for this species is likely to be high, largely due to the conditions last spring and summer when pollen was forming on some trees.”
“We’re constantly monitoring what’s in the atmosphere and what might be coming in terms of pollen in the air.”
Common and severe hay fever symptoms
Hay fever is a super common allergy affecting around one in four adults in the UK.
Holly Shaw, a nurse advisor for Allergy UK, told The Sun that the number of people affected by hay fever has trebled in the last 30 years.
“The condition is becoming more common, partly due to better diagnosis, but also to due to climate change, with warmer temperatures causing pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer,” she said.
You can be stuck by symptoms at any age. You may have started to experience them as a toddler, but they’re common in school age children and young adults.
You might have noticed your symptoms getting worse as the weather warms up.
That’s because “pollen counts are higher on dry warm days with low humidity and a gentle breeze to help disperse the fine pollen granules into the air and keep the pollen grains circulating”, Holly explained.
Not everyone will experience the allergy in the same way.
Pollen basically triggers a response in your immune system, kickstarting the release of histamine and causing symptoms which can affect the lining of the nose, throat, eyes and ears.
“Some people may experience sneezing bouts, whilst others may have more severe symptoms which affect daily activates,” Holly said.
This can include and “a constant runny itchy nose, itchy watery eyes, itchy throat, ears or palate, a stuffy nose which affects their breathing and for some their asthma may be triggered”.
‘Deadly’ complications
“Hay fever can have a huge impact on quality of life if it is not treated or well managed,” the nurse said.
“Having severe hay fever can affect someone’s ability to participate in outdoor activities, affect their mental health and even have a detrimental impact on careers, especially for someone who works outdoors.”
Hay fever can take a toll on your physical wellbeing too, making you more irritable and affecting your ability to sleep or work.
Holly warned that if the allergy is poorly treated, it can lead to complications such as sinus infections or even the development of asthma.
“Wheezing or difficulty breathing can occur if you also have allergic asthma,” she added.
In fact, 90 per cent of people with asthma have allergic rhinitis.
There’s also an increased risk of worsening asthma symptoms and hospitalisation with poorly treated hay fever.
Erika Radford, Head of Health Advice at Asthma + Lung UK, told The Sun: “More than three million people with asthma are affected by pollen and when levels are at their highest it can be deadly for those with a lung condition.
“Hay fever can trigger asthma symptoms and increase the risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.”
Holly stressed: “If symptoms do not respond to usual asthma treatments, symptoms are getting worse, or if someone develops a wheeze or breathing difficulties with hay fever for the first time, it is important to quickly seek medical advice.”
How can I protect myself?
If you’re experiencing hay fever symptoms, you might find yourself just grinning and bearing it.
But Holly said it’s important to treat the symptoms.
“This may sound simple, but many people just put up with hay fever symptoms needlessly,” she said.
“Most people with hay fever will have symptoms that can be managed by taking a daily non-sedating antihistamine.
“These are available in tablet and syrup form, and you can speak to a pharmacist who can advise you on the best choice for your individual needs.
“We recommend taking your non drowsy antihistamine medication daily to reduce symptoms and if you have a corticosteroid nasal spray start this around two weeks before the onset of symptoms to get the most effective benefit from your treatment.
“In addition, saline nasal sprays and barrier balms can be used concurrently.”
How to treat hay fever
Holly Shaw, a nurse advisor for Allergy UK, told the Sun: “Treatment choice is very personal and often led by severity of the symptoms – often a combination of treatments will often help improve hay fever symptoms.”
She suggested you use a daily non-sedating antihistamine, nasal sprays and barrier balms.
“Other measures that can be used to manage hay fever include reducing exposure to pollen.”
She advised you:
- Wear a mask, wraparound sunglasses and a hat with a peak or large brim to keep pollen allergens out of your eyes and face.
- On high pollen days, shower or bath, wash your hair and change your clothes when you arrive home. This will help to prevent continued exposure to the pollens indoors.
- Keep windows closed. This is most important in the early mornings when pollen is being released and, in the evening, when the air cools.
- Avoid mowing lawns or raking leaves yourself.
- Avoid drying clothes/linen outside when pollen counts are high.
- Wipe pets down with a damp cloth to remove pollens.