Some 37 per cent of people have been suffering from hay fever for the first time since 2017, a study by Allergy UK has found.
But why is the seasonal condition – that has millions sneezing while experiencing itchy plus swollen eyes – so prevalent this year. And what can be done about it?
Margaret Kelman, head of clinical for medical charity Allergy UK, provides answers to your questions.
Why is hay fever so bad this year?
We have had a very mild winter. When you have these, the seasons are generally mild thereafter.
This alters vegetation patterns and speeds up the growth process so you get longer and more intense pollen seasons.
What medication is good to take?
Non-sedating antihistamines are best to take for hay fever.
Although sedating antihistamines tend to work very quickly, they last only for about four to six hours.
So the effectiveness of them wears off quickly and they do have an effect on concentration. If you take any other medications, you should consult your pharmacist first.
What other methods are effective in treating the condition?
Nasal douching helps people whose hay fever worsens at the end of the day. You just swoosh up a saline solution into the nose and it will act as a wash-out for the pollen.
Also putting barrier cream or ointment on your nostrils and under your eyes can serve to block the pollen when you are out and about.
What can you wear to try to counter the symptoms?
Due to the pandemic, we are now all used to wearing face masks and these can help with your hay fever.
The material acts as a barrier for breathing in the pollen.
But you can also humidify the air that you are breathing, which means that the moisture will lessen the irritation.
Sunglasses and a hat with a brim help prevent pollen getting on your face in the first place.
What should you do when you get home from being outside?
The thing to do when you come in from outside is to take off your outside layer of clothing.
Then in the evenings make sure you have a shower or a bath, especially washing your hair, to get rid of the pollen. If you have pets, you should wipe them down with a damp cloth, too.
Be sure to keep windows closed at your home while you are out and do not dry your clothes outside.
