WITH parts of the UK set to bask in warmer temperatures of 21C, experts have warned of an early pollen bomb explosion.
The dramatic switch in weather could see millions suffering hay fever symptoms, as it’s estimated that one in two Brits are allergic to pollen.
Pollen counts are expected to climb to high in certain parts of the UK this weekend
The Met Office’s pollen forecast predicts that pollen levels will climb to high in five UK regions, spelling out misery for many.
The North West, Yorkshire and Humber and the East Midlands can expect to be hit by high pollen counts on Saturday, as can London, the South East and the East of England.
Levels will drop to medium in most of these regions by Sunday, though Londoners and residents of the South East will still be buffeted by high pollen counts, according to the forecast.
It’s estimated that half the British population suffer from hay fever symptoms, according to Allergy UK.
The type of pollen – the tiny particles released by plants and trees as part of their reproductive cycle – floating about in the air will be different according to the time of year.
Most people tend to be allergic to grass pollen, which strikes in late spring and early summer, but up to 25 per cent of hay fever sufferers are allergic to tree pollen, which tends to start circulating in spring.
Birch trees – one of the first to offload their pollen into the air – have started doing so two weeks ahead of their usual date, prompting experts to warn that this is an omen for worse to come.
The switch to longer daylight hours and a mix of sunshine, showers and branch-shaking windy weather has produced perfect conditions for tree pollen as we move into April, they added.
Bedford-based airborne allergens specialist Max Wiseberg said our native birch trees will be first off the pollen “production line”, and it’s already started.
“Birch is arguably the most problematic tree of them all for hay fever sufferers,” he warned.
The birch, close relative of alder and hazel, affects the one in four UK hay fever sufferers who are allergic to tree pollen.
Typically, the birch pollen season reaches its peak from April through to mid May.
How can I prep for the pollen bomb?
Max advised that hay fever sufferers start preparing for the pollen surge.
He suggested preventive measures such as applying an allergen barrier balm to trap the tiny particles before they enter the body.
While this treatment begins working immediately, others you need to use for a while before they start working.
Max said: “If you use antihistamines, many manufacturers recommend starting a month before your season starts.
“And it’s the same with nasal sprays – they need several days to build up their maximum protective effect and some makers advise starting using them one month before your hay fever season begins.”
For acute symptoms, he suggests a ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’ of different products that can complement each other in providing relief.
There are also practical steps such as wrap-around sunglasses, tying up pollen-attracting long hair and wearing a cap outdoors.
On returning home, take off shoes at the doorstep, change clothes and shower to remove pollen.
In the home, regularly dusting, vacuuming, grooming pets and keeping doors and windows closed also helps.
“There is currently no cure for hay fever – they’ve been working on it for years – but until there is, there are many products, both natural and conventional, and lifestyle changes you can try.”
What is hay fever?
Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen and other airborne allergens such as fungal spores.
It’s a result of our immune system’s over-reaction to antigens such as pollen.
These antigens stimulate the body’s mast cells, which release histamines that cause unpleasant itching, redness, inflammation and other hay fever symptoms.
It is more common in younger people – at least one in four people aged 15-25 are sufferers.
A spokesperson for leading ‘wellness’ platform Fresha said: “Around 44 per cent of all British adults are impacted by allergies, and hay fever is one of the most common allergies.
“Grass pollen is the most common allergen, which normally is at its strongest from May to July.
“However, trees are mainly prone to causing the allergic reaction we know to be hay fever, at its strongest from February to June.
“Allergies cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to swelling and skin irritation.
“When an allergen enters your system, the immune system over-reacts and prompts the release of histamine, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and wheezing.”
Victims should ensure their skin is moisturised to prevent any breakout of eczema, and take antihistamines if approved by your doctor.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for hay fever, which causes sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, red, itchy eyes, earaches and headaches, so you can only manage the symptoms.
In the UK, this year’s pollen season started early – with birch trees blooming more than two weeks ahead of schedule.
Peak levels of grass pollen are similarly anticipated to be pulled forward from June in the coming months as a result of the balmy weather.
It’s expected this year’s season will last until at least October, with grass pollen gradually being replaced by weed pollen into the autumn.
Hay fever symptoms
HAY fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
Typical symptoms include:
frequent sneezing
runny or blocked nose
itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose)
Less commonly, you may also experience:
the loss of your sense of smell (anosmia)
facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses)
headaches
earache
tiredness and fatigue
If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever.
How to treat it
There’s currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it.
But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.
Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen from getting into your eyes
Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
Stay indoors whenever possible
Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
Source: NHS