Edinburgh is expected to be hit by a 'pollen bomb' as the weather turns mild for Easter weekend.
Hay-fever sufferers will want to be prepared with allergy tablets, nasal sprays and anti-pollen wipes as high levels of pollen is expected to hit the capital city.
Data from the Kleenex Pollen Forecast shows that the sunny spell is causing tree pollen levels to spike across the country this weekend as we approach the peak pollen season.
A wave of runny noses, sore eyes and sneezing fits are expected for many as they tuck into their Easter Eggs this bank holiday weekend.
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The severity of pollen levels is measured by Pollen Grains Per Cubic Metre (PPM). A reading of 200-703 for tree pollen is considered high, and anything above 704 very high.
Edinburgh can expected pollen counts of 438 on Good Friday, 453 on Saturday and 343 on Easter Sunday.
For those planning on making the most of the weather this Easter weekend, Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK shares her top tips to help hay fever sufferers manage their symptoms and feel better prepared.
How to manage hay-fever symptoms
Consider your wardrobe choices
Accessories like hats and wrap-around sunglasses can stop pollen from reaching face, hair and importantly, eyes.
Try using an allergen barrier balm
Some allergy sufferers find that applying an allergen barrier balm around the base of the nostrils and around sunglasses creates a barrier to airborne allergens.
Schedule your daily outings carefully
Always check the Kleenex Pollen Forecast before leaving the house. Monitoring pollen levels daily can help you plan ahead to manage your symptoms.
Shower when you return home
Pollen can stay on your skin and hair after you’ve been outside, so take a shower as soon as possible when you return home.
Always carry a pack of tissues with you
For extra comfort we suggest Kleenex Allergy Comfort tissues which are specially designed to be gentle and ultra-absorbent around watery eyes and runny noses. They are available in convenient on-the-go soft packs, perfectly sized for any bag.
Jin Zhang, Global Medical Director at Kleenex UK, said: “Kleenex understands how unpleasant hay fever can be and how severe symptoms can prevent pollen sufferers from enjoying the warmer weather the season brings.
"We know that many families travel over the Easter weekend to spend time with loved ones. New surroundings can act as a trigger to allergy symptoms due to potential exposure to different pollens.
With Kleenex Pollen Forecast offering unrivalled insight into local pollen levels, we recommend for anyone who experiences pollen allergies, no matter how mild, to check levels daily to ensure they plan ahead and be well prepared to tackle the pollen season no matter where they are.”
According to a survey of 2,000 people, almost three in five (58 per cent) of allergy sufferers admitted they were unsure of what pollen allergy they are allergic to.
Kleenex has developed a quiz leading to a bespoke grass, tree, or weed profile, giving sufferers a better understanding of their specific allergy.
Its data is sourced from Ambee, which collates information from pollen traps across the country, about local weather on the day and on different types of trees, weeds and grass in a specific area.
