A 'pollen bomb' is expected to hit the UK this weekend with forecasters warning people to prepare for higher levels than usual.
And with this, comes a warning to people who suffer with hay fever who are most at risk due to the warm and dry weather exacerbating pollen levels.
The pollen count is predicted to reach its peak on Tuesday (June 13), although the Met Office are warning sufferers to prepare for weeks of hay fever, as we move into 'grass season'.
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And with symptoms set to rise, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, Rumeet Patel, wants the public to be aware of some of the more unusual and lesser-known symptoms of hay fever.
What are common symptoms of hay fever?
Patel explains that approximately one in five people in the UK experience hay fever so you’re probably aware of the common symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Runny, itchy or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy or watery red eyes
- Itchy throat
What are unusual symptoms of hay fever?
The expert explains that whilst the pollen level rises, people should be aware of symptoms that are less common.
1. Excessive sweating
The expert explains that "sweating more than usual can be an embarrassing symptom of hay fever. Excessive sweating can be caused by stress, pain or when your immune system is vulnerable - all factors which can occur in hay fever.”
2. Loss of smell and taste
He continues: “Although less common, loss of smell can be a symptom of hay fever. Also known as anosmia, inflammation in the nasal passages can impact our sense of smell. This is the body’s way of limiting the amount of pollen that reaches the nose.
“As taste and smell are linked, if you experience anosmia, you are also likely to notice some loss of taste too.
“Of course, a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell is a symptom of COVID-19. Therefore, you should consider testing or staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you also have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to carry out normal activities.”
3. Headaches and migraines
“There is also a link between headaches and hay fever. Sinus inflammation can cause a build-up of pressure which results in a sinus headache. This tends to feel as if there is intense pressure inside the head or behind the eyes.
“The histamines released during a hay fever account can also give rise to migraines.”
4. Face pain
“Many people don’t realise that hay fever can cause pain around the cheeks, eyes and forehead. When you have hay fever, the small air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead can become inflamed or blocked. This pressure can cause facial pain.”
5. Asthma
“If you have asthma, you may find hay fever worsens symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness. In fact, some people also find they only experience asthma symptoms during hay fever season.
“People with hay fever are also much more likely to develop asthma.”
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