THE explosion of a pollen bomb in parts of the UK could spell early spring misery for hayfever sufferers.
Seasonal allergies set off by trees are expected to take hold two weeks earlier than normal.
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In fact, Birch pollen is already releasing into the air ahead of schedule.
And symptoms sparked by grass pollens, which normally take hold around May, are predicted to strike sooner too.
With 48 per cent of us reacting to more than one trigger, Dr Helen Wall, a GP partner from Bolton, gives her expert tips on how to survive the incoming annual allergy attack.
WATCH WINDOWS
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AFTER a long, wet winter, it is tempting to fling open windows and let in the fresh air at the first sign of spring.
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But if you know you suffer from hayfever, then keeping panes closed is the best option for preventing grass, tree and weed pollen spores from circulating inside – and symptoms taking hold when you are indoors.
Dr Wall says: “Keeping the windows closed is sensible for anyone with hayfever. Don’t forget your car, too.
“When driving, keep vehicle windows closed and put the air intake setting on ‘recirculate’ , to use the internal air only and keep external pollen spores out.”
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KEEP IT CLEAN
AIRBORNE pollen spores can attach to many things so, if you have been outside, make sure you are not bringing those irritating tree, grass or weed particles back indoors with you on your hair or clothes.
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Remove shoes before entering the house, leave coats, hats and bags outside and keep yourself clean to wash off irritants.
Pollen on your hair or skin could easily transfer to your bedding, which is not ideal if your face will be in contact with a pillowcase all night.
Dr Wall says: “On high pollen days shower and wash your hair and change your clothing once indoors, especially before going to bed.”
POLISH YOUR PETS
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WHEN it comes to preventing pollen-induced symptoms, don’t forget about your pets.
If your cat or dog has been roaming in grass or among leaves, give them a good brush outdoors – or get someone else to do it for you – to eliminate allergen spores from their coats before they come back inside, possibly bringing irritants with them.
Vacuuming regularly can help too, and always make sure you wash your hands before touching your face if you have patted any pets.
Dr Wall says: “I’d suggest wiping any household pets’ coats down with a damp cloth to remove pollens when they have been outside.
WASH AND GO
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DRYING your clean sheets and pillowcases in the sunshine might be appealing on fresh days.
But it is not a great idea for seasonal allergy sufferers, as it enables pollen to collect and attach to whatever you hang on the line.
Dr Wall says: “Avoid drying clothes or linen outside when pollen counts are high.”
If airing laundry in the open air is unavoidable, first make sure no one is mowing a lawn nearby.
And check pollen forecasts before pegging up your laundry to ensure the count is low. Wiping down washing lines may help too.
START TO SPRAY
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IF trees turning green and budding blooms trigger sneezing, an itchy throat and dripping nostrils, try an over-the-counter nasal spray.
These can be a great help to seasonal allergy sufferers, but must be used properly to get the maximum effect.
So follow the directions for use carefully. If unsure, ask your pharmacist to talk you through it.
Dr Wall says: “The biggest thing for me is that people don’t use their nasal sprays correctly and consistently.
“But, when used properly, they can be really successful for controlling nose, throat and eye symptoms.
“Both antihistamines and nasal sprays work best for severe symptoms if they have built up in the body in advance, so start two to four weeks before you expect symptoms to begin if you know you will suffer.”
CREATE A BARRIER
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PLACING a physical barrier between areas affected by seasonal allergies – such as the eyes and nose – and tree or grass irritants can ease symptoms.
Dr Wall says: “Wear a mask, wraparound sunglasses and a hat with a large peak or brim when outdoors to keep pollen allergens out of your eyes, face and hair.
“Wearing a face mask has been shown to reduce symptoms of hayfever by reducing the amount of pollen we inhale, as well as creating a warm, humid environment to breathe in, which reduces the reactivity of the nose.
“And if you’ve tried everything over the counter and you have severe, debilitating symptoms affecting your daily life, then see a GP.”
STOCK UP
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ANTIHISTAMINE tablets work by blocking the release of the chemical histamine, which is triggered by our immune systems when we have an allergic reaction.
They help counter sneezing, itching and runny nose symptoms set off by tree and grass pollens.
Widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies, start taking them now to be prepared.
Dr Wall says: “Don’t think you have to buy expensive brand antihistamines, as generic packets – such as supermarket own brands – will have the same active ingredients.
“There is no antihistamine I can give as a GP that isn’t available over the counter, so you don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment while suffering.”
Your pharmacist can advise on what product will suit you best.
CHECK COUNTS
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MOST UK weather forecasts, such as the Met Office app, provide an advance indication of predicted pollen levels in your region for the day and week ahead, alongside daily elements.
Make good use of these to get an idea of how likely your symptoms are to affect you.
Then you can adapt your actions accordingly.
Dr Wall says: “Check pollen forecasts daily and stay indoors wherever possible when the tree or grass pollen count is high.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“Hayfever symptoms usually appear when the count exceeds 50.
“Rain washes pollen from the air, so they should be lower on cooler, wet days.”
