An allergy specialist has warned of the “enormous impact” the high pollen count will have on the UK as April begins.
Grass pollen is typically at its strongest from May to June, but experts say sufferers of hay fever should already be preparing for eczema flare-ups, itchy eyes, and runny noses from now.
On Saturday a high pollen count is predicted in many areas of England, and it could persist in some areas, including London, for several days.
According to AgeUK research conducted in 2020, 49 percent of people reported they get symptoms.
Professor Adam Fox, an allergy specialist at a leading London teaching hospital said: “The high pollen count can have an enormous impact on people, whether it be kids at school (especially those doing exams), or adults, and South East England usually gets the brunt of it. The impact on adults’ cognitive abilities is similar to those found at drink-driving level limits of alcohol. A high pollen count is massively under-recognised in terms of its impact on quality of life and it’s a shame, because there are effective treatments to help.”
Of the suitable remedies which can be used, he added: “Around now would be a good time to search for remedies, including over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays. If issues persist despite this, which they will do for a minority, then desensitisation (also known as immunotherapy) will help.”
Millions of people feel the ill-effects of exposure because of three (overlapping) phases. From about March until May, the blossoming of trees such as hazel creates the first wave of symptoms for some pollen allergy sufferers. However, symptoms can be worse during the second phase as from May until July, grass pollen forms the bulk of the UK’s pollen load. From June, weed pollen starts to occur.
A high pollen count is increasingly targeting South East England city areas including London, and most experts agree that a critical factor in causing this is air pollution. Pollution from vehicles is sometimes trapped at ground level. This often increases the number of allergens in place, meaning hay fever symptoms are likely to be more severe. Prof Fox cited global warming as another possible reason for the increase.
Allergy symptoms that follow the increase include include fatigue, sneezing and a loss of smell along with eczema and flare-ups.
