It’s bad news for millions of hayfever sufferers, as the UK experiences the “worst pollen bomb of the year” so far.
It comes as forecasts suggest there could be a heatwave this week – reaching highs of 30C in some parts.
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The Met Office has warned that pollen counts will be “very high” in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over the next five days, peaking on Monday (today).
Today, the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland in northern Scotland are the only areas spared from “very” high levels – but they will continue to record a miserable “high” count.
Pollen spread will remain at similar levels until Thursday, when most of the UK will see (and potentially feel) a drop from “very high” to “high” pollen levels.
However, the South West, London, South East and East of England will not see this rest due to the “very high” count.
From Friday, most of the country will be back in the red zone, with “very high” pollen levels.
The only places predicted to see marginally lower levels will be Strathclyde, Central, Tayside, Fyfe, Grampian and Highlands and Orkney and Shetland.
‘Hay Day’ was a term dubbed by the charity Asthma + Lung UK for the worst day of the year for people with hayfever, typically June 21st.
Allergen specialist and creator of Hay Max allergen barrier balms Max Wiseberg, says: “On Monday, for 14 of the UK’s 16 regions – with only the north of Scotland escaping.
“This will be worse than ‘Hay Day’ [Friday June 21] when “only” 12 regions of the UK are likely to have very high pollen levels.
“Whether that is the case or not, this weekend and the start of next week will certainly be one of the worst times for hayfever sufferers.
“Many regions of the UK are predicted to have high and very high pollen counts for the foreseeable future. We are definitely in the peak of hayfever season.”
Millions of Brits are plagued by hayfever symptoms every summer, from itchy eyes, constant runny noses and headaches to annoying sneezing.
But for people with respiratory problems such as asthma, high pollen levels can be fatal.
Research from Asthma + Lung UK suggests that pollen is a trigger for 47% of people with asthma and 27% of people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD).
This can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Erika Radford, head of the organisation’s health board, said: “When pollen particles are inhaled, they can cause inflammation in the airways and travel up to the lungs, making it harder for people with lung problems to breathe, which can be scary. ”.
14 Sun Health Tips for Beating Hayfever Hell on a Budget
SUMMER is almost here, which means the annual onslaught of dreaded hay fever symptoms is back with a vengeance
Triggered when the immune system reacts to the allergen pollen, common symptoms of hay fever include itchy, watery eyes, a ticklish throat, and a congested, runny nose.
Holly Shaw, nurse advisor at the charity Allergy UK, puts this down to “better diagnosis, but also climate change, with higher temperatures causing pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer”.
But if the daily remedies of antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and balms from the pharmacy aren’t working, don’t give up hope, there are other tricks you can implement.
From showering regularly and vacuuming the house to scoffing at chocolates, here are some expert-backed tactics that shouldn’t be overlooked. . .
1. Wear wrap-around sunglasses and a hat with a large peak or brim, or opt for a face mask
2. On high pollen days, take a bath or shower and wash your hair. Change your clothes when you get home
3. Avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves – ask someone else to intervene
4. Try not to air dry clothes or bedding when allergen counts are high
5. Keep windows tightly closed, especially in the early morning and evening when higher levels of pollen are released
6. Clean pets with a damp cloth as they can bring pollen into the house. Also, think about keeping your dog or cat away from you if you can.
7. Put petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap particles before they go up your nose
8. Take a few minutes every day to vacuum well, especially if you have thick pile carpets. Vacuum over upholstered furniture where particles may have spread from the open window
9. Clean windows and window sills regularly
10. Wash your bedding once a week on high heat to remove any pollen that may have been transferred from you and your clothes
11. Take vitamin D supplements. Research has shown that they can regulate immune system cells that help prevent allergic reactions.
12. Experts say diets rich in antioxidants, such as broccoli, spinach, potatoes and carrots, can help prevent a stuffy nose caused by hay fever.
13. Dark chocolate can also help reduce symptoms
14. If all else fails and you feel like hayfever is ruining your life or even causing asthma attacks, see your doctor who may be able to refer you to a specialist clinic.
Erica said there are things people with asthma can do to protect themselves, which includes staying home.
“Checking pollen and air pollution forecasts in your local area every day is a good idea, so you can avoid leaving the house as much as possible on high pollen days,” she said.
“You should always have your reliever inhaler nearby, even when you are at home, in case pollen triggers symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness.
“Reliever inhalers quickly relax the muscles in your airways to help you breathe more easily when symptoms arise.
“Another thing you can do is take antihistamine medicines to ease the symptoms of hay fever.
“Additionally, your doctor may prescribe a setroid nasal spray to help reduce the allergic reaction.”
The best hay fever treatments on a budget
1. Allergy Eye Mist
If you hate the idea of eye drops, consider an eye mist that works the same way—just spray once or twice onto closed eyelids up to three times a day.
To try Optrex Hay Fever Relief Eye Drops10ml – £6, from Tesco.
2. Cetirizine allergy and hay fever tablets
Products containing cetirizine work to combat allergies without causing tiredness.
Superdrug pack of 30 tablets comes to £5.45.
3. Hay Fever Relief Nasal Spray
For over-the-counter relief, you can try Pyrinase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray for Adults x 60 Sprays by Pharmacy2U£4.98
Or for something with a recipe, try ChemistClick Beclomethasone Nasal Spray, £5.49.
4. Vaseline
Dabbing a little Vaseline on the edges of your nose acts as a barrier to trap pollen before you inhale it.
Get yourself a 50g pot for £1.80 in Boots.
5. Ophthalmologist Allergy Hay Fever Compress
The Eye Doctor Allergy Hay Fever Compress has thermodynamic fabric, which uses regulated evaporation to cool more quickly.
It helps reduce swelling, puffiness, itching, inflammation, and even headaches, and it comes with a comfortable, adjustable strap.
You can buy it at Superdrug for £8.99.
6. Throat spray
Ultra Cloraseptic Throat Anesthetic Spray contains the active ingredient benzocaine, which belongs to the group of medicines called local anesthetics.
You can buy Ultra Chloraseptic anesthetic throat spray for £6 from Amazon
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
