Warning to hay fever sufferers as pollen bomb attacks occur on anniversary weekend

HAYFEVER patients face a weekend of misery as pollen levels rise across the country this anniversary weekend.

Millions of Britons suffer from the disease and with the celebrations in full swing over the next few days, many are likely to be enjoying the great outdoors.

2

2

Whether it’s a garden party or a barbecue to celebrate the monarch, many will be more exposed to the circulating pollen.

Britons in the South West, London, South East, East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands, Wales and North West will all be exposed to high levels of nuisance pollen today.

This is expected to ease slightly over the remainder of the weekend, with southern areas primarily affected.

The sun is shining in most regions of England today, tomorrow it should continue like this.

But if the weather turns wet on Saturday and Sunday, stormy weather could unleash a pollen bomb, leaving many with itchy eyes and runny noses.

Temperatures are expected to hit 22C thanks to a cloud of tropical air flowing in from the continent today.

The weather will be warmest in south-east England, where highs of 22C are forecast in London – an area where pollen counts are also highest.

Elsewhere, the mercury will hover in the high teens through the mid-20s — but it’s sunshine almost everywhere.

About one in four adults is plagued by hay fever – and most are allergic to grass pollen, which erupts from mid-May to July.

dr Manpreet Bains, GP at Thriva, said the condition is also known as allergic rhinitis or seasonal rhinitis.

The eyes, nose, mouth and throat come into contact with tiny pollen particles and trigger an immune response – the body reacts.

“Symptoms of this reaction can include itchy, watery, and red eyes.

“Nasal symptoms can include a stuffy or runny nose. Throat symptoms can include itching and pain,” says Dr. Manpreet.

HELP AT HAND

Earlier this week, Dr. Zoe Williams that those suffering from hay fever should first visit the pharmacy – where experts can help with over-the-counter remedies.

She explained that prevention is better than cure and that avoiding pollen can make a big difference.

dr Zoe suggested that those struggling could try the NeilMed sinus irrigation device, which many allergy sufferers recommend using.

“First-line drug treatment is either antihistamine tablets (cetirizine or loratadine) or a steroid nasal spray.

“It can take a few days and up to three weeks for a steroid spray to take full effect,” added Dr. added zoe

“So ideally, start it a few weeks before you expect symptoms.

“Most people forget, but it’s worth recognizing this delay and sticking with use even if symptoms aren’t immediately relieved.”

But if your symptoms persist after trying the pharmacist’s recommendations, then Dr. Zoe, it might be time to see your GP.

“They could prescribe the antihistamine fexofenadine, or consider a drug called montelukast for those who also have asthma.

“Occasionally, short courses of steroids are used in severe cases, and some people who do not experience relief despite all of the above may be referred for immunotherapy,” added Dr. added zoe