Doctors have shared their top tips on how to tackle hay fever amid warnings that sufferers will be hit especially hard by high pollen counts caused by warm temperatures. Between 10 million and 16 million people in the UK struggle with hayfever every year - defined as an allergic reaction to pollen that causes symptoms including a runny nose and itchy eyes and throat. Dr Crystal Wyllie, from the Asda Online Doctor team, says a quarter of allergy sufferers who are sensitive to tree pollen could be impacted by a particularly "severe" season, exacerbated by rising global temperatures.
She told the Express: "In the UK, trees that produce allergenic pollen typically alternate between high and low severity years and unfortunately, this year's shaping up to be a high one. "Last year's sunny spells also boosted pollen production, making this season especially tough for tree pollen sufferers," Dr Wyllie added. "Rising temperatures brought on by climate change will [also] extend the hayfever season, with oak and grass pollen seasons potentially starting earlier than usual, meaning people have to cope with hay fever symptoms for much longer." Dr Wyllie’s top tips for tackling hay fever include checking the daily pollen forecast before heading out, showering after spending time outside to rinse away allergens and using an air purifier.
People allergic to tree pollen generally experience symptoms earlier in the year, between late winter and early spring, while those sensitive to grass pollen are more likely to be impacted during late spring and summer.
However, hay fever is increasingly rearing its head more quickly than usual in winter, leaving those allergic to both kinds of pollen struggling with symptoms throughout most of the year.
Dr Veronika Matutyte, from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, said: "Warmer winters have caused the pollen season to begin earlier than usual, with airborne pollen detected as early as February. I believe this extended season increases cumulative exposure, making symptoms more persistent and severe."
"To minimise the impact of these worsening conditions, I strongly advise patients to start preventive treatment early," she added. "Initiating antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and other allergy medications before peak pollen season can help control symptoms more effectively. I also recommend that you monitor pollen forecasts. Staying informed about daily pollen levels can help in planning outdoor activities during lower-exposure periods."
Dr Mohamed Najjar of the Jorja Healthcare Group, based in London, agreed that hay fever season had started earlier than usual this year but would still vary in severity depending on location.
He told the Express: "Whilst typically hay fever season doesn't start until late March, there are various factors that can change this, including low temperatures in the winter, which keep plants and trees dormant for longer, as well as high air temperatures in spring, like we experienced last week.
"Rainfall is also a huge factor because if it's a dry season, then the amount of pollen is reduced. It can also be hugely dependent on your location, whereby we often see different parts of the country experiencing different pollen counts."
