A POLLEN bomb is set to explode in parts of the UK this weekend, spelling misery for millions of Brits suffering from hay fever.
In addition to itchy, swollen eyes and endless sniffling, tiny pollen particles can also increase the risk of dangerous side effects for asthma sufferers.
Hay fever can worsen asthma and lung conditions, potentially triggering an attack that can be fatal if left untreated.
O Met pollen forecast predicts high pollen counts will hit parts of the UK this weekend.
Wales, the South West, London and the South East will be besieged by pollen particles on Saturday.
The East of England and the East and West Midlands will also be hit with high pollen counts on Sunday.
Hay fever sufferers may continue to experience symptoms next week as pollen counts will remain high in the South West, South East and East of England.
Max Wiseberg, an expert on airborne allergens and creator of HayMax barrier balms, warned that a specific type of pollen could be the cause of this weekend’s suffering.
He said: “High pollen counts are forecast for this weekend and Monday across southern England, the Midlands and Wales.
“Grass pollen season typically peaks in June and July, so this weekend’s high pollen forecasts mark the start of peak season.
“And as 95 per cent of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, this weekend will be the worst this year for sufferers.”
But sniffling, sneezing and itching can occur even if high pollen counts don’t reach your area.
“Many people who suffer from hay fever start to show symptoms when the count reaches ‘moderate’,” explained Max.
The East of England will see “moderate” pollen counts on Saturday, before rising to highs on Sunday and Monday.
However, pollen levels will remain “moderate” in the North West on Saturday and Sunday, as well as in Yorkshire and the North East on Sunday.
Counts in Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to remain low.
“Counts will be higher near large sources of grass pollen, including hay meadows,” Max added.
WARNING FOR ASTHMA SUFFERERS
Around 80% of asthma sufferers feel that their symptoms worsen with the onset of hay fever during the spring and summer, according to First aid for life.
Hay fever can increase your risk of an asthma attack, experts added, as it causes already inflamed airways to swell even more, leaving you short of breath.
Additionally, increasingly inflamed and sensitized airways are more likely to react to other triggers.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Most children and adults with asthma experience times when breathing becomes more difficult.
Some people with severe asthma may have breathing problems most of the time.
The most common symptoms of asthma are:
- wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- shortness of breathe
- a tight chest – it may feel like a band is tightening around it
- cough
Many things can cause these symptoms, but they are more likely to be asthma if:
- happens often and I keep coming back
- are worse at night and early in the morning
- appear to happen in response to an asthma trigger, such as exercise or allergies (such as pollen or animals)
See a GP if you think you or your child may have asthma, or if you have asthma and are finding it difficult to control.
Source: The National Health Service
Asthma + Lung UK advised you to treat your hay fever symptoms to avoid worsening your asthma.
He suggested that you:
- Take antihistamines to help with hay fever symptoms.
- If you use a reliever inhaler (usually blue), keep it with you at all times and use it immediately if your symptoms worsen.
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
- Wear a mask, wrap-around sunglasses, or a wide-brimmed hat. This will help prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.
- Use a nasal spray or saltwater solution to rinse the inside of your nose.
- Put petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen when outdoors. You should not do this if you are using home oxygen therapy.
- Take a shower and change your clothes when you get home to wash off the pollen.
- Vacuum and dust regularly with a damp cloth.
But you should see your doctor if:
- Your symptoms of hay fever, asthma, or lung disease are getting worse
- Your symptoms do not improve after using hay fever treatments.
WHAT IS HAY FEVER?
“Hay fever is the result of our immune system overreacting to harmless substances like pollen,” explained Max.
“The body produces histamines – normal amounts are good – they are what keep us alert, attentive and awake.
“But when there are too many in the body, they produce sneezing and other symptoms common in hayfever sufferers, such as a runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion and general congestion. sensation in the nose and throat.
Hay fever symptoms can range from mild to more severe.
Hay fever symptoms and how to treat it
Hay fever usually gets worse between late March and September, especially when it’s hot, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is highest.
Typical symptoms include:
- frequent sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- itchy, red, or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus running down the throat from the back of the nose)
Less commonly, you may also experience:
- loss 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
There is currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it.
But you can do things to alleviate symptoms when pollen counts are high.
- Put petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes
- Shower and change clothes after going outside to wash off pollen
- Stay at home whenever possible
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- Buy a pollen filter for your car’s air vents and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- Try to stay home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high fever or don’t feel well enough to carry out your normal activities
Source: SNS
Factors such as sleep and diet can also affect hay fever symptoms.
According to Max: “What you eat and drink can affect how much – or how little – you suffer from hay fever.”
He advised: “Stay hydrated and eat lots of fruit and vegetables to stay healthy and support your immune system.
“Some foods such as capers, red onions, watercress and kale contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine. Avoid alcohol as it contains histamines.
“Herbal teas can help, for example ginger and green tea work as natural antihistamines, while peppermint reduces congestion.”
Max also advised you to try to get good sleep to get through hayfever season.
“Hay fever can affect your sleep, so get into a regular routine. Take a shower at night before bed to remove pollen particles from your hair and body. Next, apply an organic allergen barrier balm to block pollen.
“Change and wash your bedding regularly to remove allergens.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
