Hay fever is set to blight summer for millions[GETTY]For along with daffodils and longer daylight hours, the new season promises record levels of hay fever affecting more people over an extended season.
Thanks to the mild winter, the birch pollen (which causes 25 per cent of cases) and oak pollen (one in five hay fever sufferers) seasons have started early this year. Meanwhile, rather than "growing out" of their allergies, adults are now developing hay fever in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
And pollution just makes pollen more potent, boding a steady increase in hay fever over the coming decades.
Here Maureen Jenkins, Director of Clinical Services at Allergy UK, offers her advice for hay fever sufferers:
2 Only taking medications on the worst days is much less effective - you should start using the preventative / treatment nasal sprays two weeks before your symptoms usually begin and continue until your symptoms have totally gone.
3 If your medication is not working, see your pharmacist or GP, or contact Allergy UK’s Helpline on 01322 619 898.
4 When using a treatment nasal spray, tip your head forward (not back) look down, insert the nozzle and spray towards the outside of the nose.
5 Use a seawater nasal spray to wash away allergens and mucus from the nose provides temporary relief from symptoms and better prepares the nose for treatment.
6 In the UK, people with allergic rhinitis typically treat themselves with antihistamines. However, over one in 10 (12 per cent) of hay fever sufferers are using sedating antihistamines, which cause drowsiness and affect concentration. A once daily antihistamine will not affect driving, work, social life or concentration.
7 If the first antihistamine you try is not helping, switch to another after discussing with your GP or pharmacist.
8 For moderate to severe symptoms, a spray that contains steroid plus antihistamine can now be prescribed by your GP, as can stronger eye drops. Additional drugs are available on prescription for the many people who suffer seasonal asthma as well as hay fever symptoms.
9 Decongestant nasal sprays may be useful for additional relief of congestion for an exam or special occasion but should not be used regularly because, after a few days use, they cause rebound congestion, making symptoms worse.
10 Monitor pollen forecasts daily and stay indoors wherever possible when the count is high (generally on warmer, dry days). Rain washes pollen from the air so counts should be lower on cooler, wet days.
11 Avoid trips to rural areas on high pollen days. Sea breezes blow pollen inland, so escape to the sea instead.
12 Apply a pollen barrier around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollens. Pollen Barriers are available as balms or gel nasal sprays and some people find petroleum jelly can help.
13 Shower and wash your hair on returning home and change your clothing before entering the living room or bedroom.
14 Keep windows closed in the early mornings, when pollen is being released and in the evening when the air cools and pollens in the air fall to ground level again.
15 If you suffer symptoms indoors, a good air filter should help. Choose one that is proven to trap even small particles.
16 Avoid mowing lawns or raking leaves. If you must perform these tasks, use a filtration face mask.
17 Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen allergens out of your eyes.
18 Avoid drying washing on a clothes-line outside when pollen counts are high.
19 Pollen counts tend to be high along roads with grass verges (dual-carriageways, motorways). Keep car windows closed and the air intake on "re-circulate" when driving. Choose a car that is fitted with an effective pollen filter, or get an in-car air filter.
20 Don't let pets get close to your face as they can carry pollen in their fur. Wipe pets’ coats with a damp microfibre cloth to remove pollens when they have been out for a walk.
21 Use goggles when swimming, whether in the sea or in a pool.
For more advice on hay fever contact Allergy UK on 01322 619 898 or visit allergyuk.org
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