Hay fever sufferers face misery AGAIN as high pollen counts return

HAY fever sufferers can expect misery in the next few days as the high pollen count returns.

The cooler and wetter weather has given people with the condition some respite.

AlamyTry not to go outside too much if you suffer hay fever[/caption]

But throughout the rest of the week, parts of England and Wales will see “high” counts of pollen, according to the Met Office.

Today, all of Wales and England has a high warning. This eases slightly over the week for some areas, before going back up again on Sunday.

Four areas will have high pollen counts the rest of the week – London and the South East, the East, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. 

The pollen causing havoc is weed pollen, which includes mugwort, nettle and pellitory-of-the-wall.

There are around 30 different types of pollen that cause hay fever and it is possible to be allergic to more than one type, Met Office says.

“Weed pollen can be released at any time from the early spring to the late autumn.

“Most people are allergic to grass pollen, which is common in late spring and early summer. 

“Tree pollen tends to be released during spring and affects around 25 per cent of people.”

Although there is no cure for hay fever, there are many things you can do to try and help your symptoms.

Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg says: “As pollen counts have been lower for so long, most people will probably have stopped taking their antihistamines. 

“However there are many practical things you can do to help reduce or prevent your symptoms.”

Hay fever season, which runs from March to November, can be pretty unpleasant for pollen allergy sufferers under normal circumstances.

But Brits have noticed their allergies are worse than previous years, with many complaining of aggressive symptoms.

Allergist Dr Adam Fox said: “Due to climate change, it seems that pollen seasons are getting longer, peaks of pollen are getting higher and the geographical spread of common pollens causing hayfever is getting broader.”

Poor air quality can also play a role in hay fever, as it “can increase the potency of pollen that causes troublesome symptoms” says Dr Fox, which could be tricky for those living in more urban settings this summer.

How to help hay fever

Using a barrier balm, such as Vaseline or HayMax, around the nostrils should help to trap pollen outside of the body. Wearing your hair up or put on a hat to prevent particles getting stuck in the hair. Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors can also help stop pollen entering the eyes.Washing your face as soon as you go indoors will also remove offending particles. “This will wash away allergens so that they can’t cause a reaction,” Max said.Keep pollen out of the home. Max said: “Keep windows and doors closed. Vacuum carpets and floors and damp dust surfaces – damp dusting prevents settled pollen particles being redistributed into the air.”Dry clothes indoors, not outdoors where pollen can cling onto the fabric.If you own a pet, try and keep it well groomed, washed and out of bedrooms.Take antihistamines, such as Clarityn® Allergy 10mg Tablets, in the evening as this can help with symptoms by the morning.“Nasal sprays target congestion and stuffiness as well as other symptoms of hay fever because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is the main entrance for allergens to enter the body,” Max said.Eye drops can stop your body releasing histamine, stop watering and itching.