HAY FEVER sufferers were left reeling when the UK was hit by the “worst pollen bomb of the year” last month.
Unfortunately, this is not the end of the itching and sneezing misery for many, as parts of the country are still expected to see “high” pollen levels later this week.
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The South West, West and East Midlands and North East of England are expected to face rising pollen counts on Wednesday, as are London, the South East and South West on Thursday.
Whether you’re suffering from itchy eyes, a runny nose, or incessant sneezing, have you ever stopped to think about what your symptoms mean?
And why do your symptoms and those of others seem to appear at different times of the year?
The Sun spoke to Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson to get some answers.
Are there different types of hay fever?
Everyone can experience hay fever differently, whether it’s sensitivity in the eyes, nose or throat.
While there aren’t exactly different types of hay fever, there are different types of pollen that trigger symptoms.
And these allergens circulate at different times, depending on the time of year.
Claire told the Sun: “Pollen is fine dust that disperses in the wind to reach other plants for pollination and gives rise to new plants.
“What many people don’t know is that there are different types of pollen that can trigger a reaction to hay fever.
“Tree pollen, which is typically released in the spring, grass pollen, which tends to peak during late spring and early summer, and lastly weed pollen, which typically peaks in late autumn.”
The Met Office notes that there are around 30 different types of pollen that cause hayfever and it is possible to be allergic to more than one type.
Most people are allergic to grass pollen, while around 25% of hay fever sufferers are affected by tree pollen.
According to Allergy UK, someone with a grass pollen allergy will experience similar symptoms and require similar treatments as someone allergic to birch pollen, for example.
What do hay fever symptoms mean?
Claire said: “If you suffer from hayfever symptoms such as itching and watery eyes, itchy throat, sneezing and runny nose, this could indicate that you are allergic to pollen.”
Simply put, hay fever is an allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air.
Your pollen allergy can cause allergic rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal lining caused by an allergic trigger.
It can also cause allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by itching, burning, watery and red eyes, as well as swollen eyelids.
There’s even a condition called food pollen syndrome, a hypersensitivity reaction to fruits, vegetables, and nuts that can cause itchy mouth, lips, and throat.
Affecting two per cent of British adults, it is thought to be related to whether you are sensitive to grass, tree or weed pollen, according to Allergy UK.
For example, you may experience foodborne pollen syndrome from eating apples, apricots, cherries, and kiwifruit if you are sensitive to tree pollen, usually birch or alder.
Meanwhile, a grass pollen allergy can make you sensitive to cantaloupes, oranges, watermelons and dates.
14 Sun Health Tips for Beating Hayfever Hell on a Budget
SUMMER is here, which means the annual onslaught of dreaded hayfever 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. . .
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses and a hat with a high or large brim, or opt for a face mask
- On high pollen days, take a bath or shower and wash your hair. Change your clothes when you get home.
- Avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves – ask someone else to intervene.
- Try not to air dry clothes or linens when allergen counts are high.
- Keep windows tightly closed, especially early in the morning and at night when higher levels of pollen are released.
- 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.
- Put petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap particles before they go up your nose.
- 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.
- Clean windows and window sills regularly.
- Wash your bedding once a week on high heat to remove any pollen that may have been transferred from you and your clothes.
- Take vitamin D supplements. Research has shown that they can regulate immune system cells that help prevent allergic reactions.
- Experts say diets rich in antioxidants, such as broccoli, spinach, potatoes and carrots, can help prevent a stuffy nose caused by hay fever.
- It is said that dark chocolate can also help reduce symptoms.
- 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.
But you’re more likely to experience hay fever symptoms if you have other conditions or allergies, such as asthma, allergic dermatitis or eczema.
Because your immune system is involved in your allergic reaction to pollen, its strength can also affect your symptoms.
“The body’s immune system can change over time, which can affect how it responds to allergens,” wrote Samuel J White, senior lecturer in genetic immunology at Nottingham Trent University, in The conversation.
“This means that someone who has had severe hayfever symptoms in the past may experience milder symptoms as they get older.
“In fact, hay fever can develop at any age, but it is most common in children and young adults.
“As a person ages, their immune system may become less reactive to allergens, leading to a reduction in hay fever symptoms.
“Lifestyle factors such as stress, diet and exercise can affect the immune system and contribute to the severity of hay fever symptoms.
“For example, stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to allergens.”
Finally, genetics may also play a role – you are more likely to suffer from hay fever if your family members do too.
How to better treat each symptom
Claire said: “The symptoms of hay fever differ for everyone, but there are generally three main areas where people are affected: eyes, nose and throat.
“If people suffer from asthma, their symptoms may worsen during hay fever season.”
Taking antihistamine tablets can target your general symptoms, but you may want to address them specifically.
“If people struggle with sneezing or a runny, stuffy nose, they may consider using a nasal spray along with antihistamines,” Claire explained.
“And to soothe dry, sore, and watery eyes, anti-allergy eye drops can be used to help.”
You can also opt for a throat spray to soothe an inflamed throat or a cooling eye compress to soothe eye and head pain.
If over-the-counter medicines are not effective, talk to your GP.
You can also choose to visit Boots Online Doctorwhich offers a dedicated Hay fever treatment service.
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
