Dr C’s check-up

Twenty-one million people in the UK have allergies, but this summer many are struggling with more severe symptoms. Fellow hay fever sufferer Dr Christian explains how to help yourself

You may have noticed that this year your hay fever is worse. I suffer from hay fever really badly too, so I’m very sympathetic – and also really know what

I’m talking about! This worsening is likely to be down to a number of factors. First, of course, we’ve had the ideal weather for high pollen counts; plenty of sunny, dry, warm days (despite the latest rain)where the temperature is in double figures. Alongside that, research has shown that global warming is extending the pollen season – by as much as 20 days. Also, we weren’t really exposed to allergens much last year, thanks to being indoors more, so this is our first proper, prolonged contact with pollen in a while. Finally, our perception of symptoms may be heightened, both because we’re out of practice, and because we’re all on high alert to symptoms, thanks to Covid.

WASH IT AWAY

Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to help with streaming eyes and sneezing fits. Some of it you may have read before, but we’re all guilty of knowing but not doing, so just try to be really on it this year. Have a shower as soon as you come in from outside to wash pollen away from your skin and hair, and change your clothes, too, because pollen particles can easily cling to fabric. Pets can carry pollen in their fur too so, if they will tolerate it, wipe their coats with a damp microfibre cloth after they’ve been outside, and avoid having them sleep in your bedroom. When you’re out, tie your hair up and wear a hat plus wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.

KEEP YOUR HOME CLEAN & DUST-FREE

You need to vacuum regularly – especially around and under your bed and on fabric furniture, like your sofa, to remove pollen and dust. When you hoover under your bed you’ll be amazed at how much dirt is lurking there, and getting rid of it can really help. Also dry your clothes indoors, to avoid allergens being blown onto fabrics in the breeze, and keep windows closed when you’re inside, particularly in the early mornings and evenings, when the count is high. Avoid being near cut grass and ask someone else to mow the lawn if you have one, or if you have to do it, wear a filtration face mask (allergyuk.org has lots of suggestions) and don’t forget your sunglasses.

TRACK POLLEN WITH AN APP

Before you plan a day out, get into the habit of monitoring the pollen count on TV and radio weather forecasts, or on metoffice.gov.uk. There are also apps you can download on to your smartphone [try My Pollen Forecast UK] so you’ll know when to be prepared, or even to avoid outdoor plans if counts are really high. Also be alert to any thunderstorms as they can whip up pollen particles up into the air, and they are broken down when they come into contact with water, so they can get deeper down into the smaller airways, triggering symptoms.

THINK ABOUT POLLUTION

Also look at pollution levels, particularly if you also suffer with asthma, as lots of people with hay fever do. If you jog or walk, choose less busy roads and ones without grass verges, and avoid early mornings and evenings.

TIME YOUR MEDS

Remember to keep taking your usual medication, like your long-acting antihistamine – and take it at the same time every day. If it helps, put it next to your toothbrush or in the cupboard with your breakfast cereal, so you don’t forget. If you get asthma, keep your reliever inhaler with you and ask your GP for more so you can have one in the car, one at home and one in your bag. If you haven’t been diagnosed with asthma, but feel very tight in the chest and have difficulty breathing, tell your GP.

SWOT UP ON TRIGGERS

Be an expert on your allergies, because that way you can protect yourself against nasty symptoms, which can wipe you out. If you always seem to get symptoms in the car, look into getting a good pollen filter – you can also buy them

for your home. Visit the Allergy UK website allergyuk.org for suggestions. Nasal saline sprays can help to flush out irritants and allergens from the nose, and eye drops can help, too.

It’s a bit of trial and error, so if one isn’t working, ask your pharmacist what else you can try. For milder symptoms you can try smearing Vaseline or coconut oil around your nostrils to trap the pollen and stop it from getting into your airways. I’m dubious about using local honey as a remedy. The thinking is that by ingesting local pollen, you become desensitised to it, but there is very little evidence it works. If you have mild symptoms and would like to give it a try, feel free, but if you are having a really bad bout, you can ask your GP about stronger medications, and if nothing is helping, ask to be referred to an allergy specialist. If this year has been particularly bad, work out when your symptoms started, and note it in your 2022 diary so that you can start taking your long-acting antihistamine two weeks before, to be ready. That way you will be able to build up defences before your symptoms kick in and you should feel a lot better.

ASK FOR A REFERRAL

One option for severe allergies is immunotherapy, where you’re very gradually given increasing doses of allergen extracts by injection or drops or tablets under your tongue. This way, your body can learn not to react to it. It’s for extreme cases, but there will be options to help you, however mild or severe your allergies – so make sure to ask your GP.