Millions suffer as pollen strikes early in hay fever season
MILLIONS of allergy sufferers are battling one of the earliest hay fever seasons on record after mild weather triggered a pollen explosion.
Doctors and healthcare workers are reporting a rush for sprays and tablets as the nation starts sneezing and streaming.
The main culprit is tree pollen which is rife thanks to the mild winter and wet February followed by recent warm temperatures.
Experts claim the hay fever season is beginning earlier each year and lasting longer at the end of summer.
Another surge in symptoms is now expected at the start of April when birch trees start to flower.
Andrew Williams, lead nurse for adult allergies at Guy’s Hospital in London, said doctors and health professionals are braced for an influx of sufferers. He said: “We have already started seeing hay fever patients coming in and we are expecting a large increase at the start of April.
“Although most people who have hay fever are allergic to grass pollen the main culprit at the moment is tree pollen – particularly hazel and alder.
Issue
“The birch season has also just started which we expect to bring more people in for treatment, then through the summer we usually see two peaks – in June and then July.
“Over the past three years the season has started measurably earlier, it seems to be getting earlier every year and this is probably the new normal.”
“People’s symptoms, unexpectedly, tend to be worse in cities where there is an issue with pollution,” he added.
“Diesel particles are the main driver and during the summer when pollen levels are high we can end up with a toxic mix of particles in the air.”
Runny noses and itchy eyes hit the economy with almost three million signed off with hay fever each year.
Allergy UK said 15 per cent of the nation’s 18 million sufferers – 2.7 million people – will be unable to work at some point this summer. Experts say businesses lose 4.75 summer days per allergy-stricken employee, costing the economy £7.1billion. Allergy UK director Jean Emberlin said tree pollen counts are rising but the biggest villain, birch, will kick in later this month.
She said: “Birch pollen will be earlier this year, so we expect more people with hay fever this month or next, depending on the weather.”
Allergy expert Max Wiseberg said: “We have orders for medication coming in earlier than last year, the season is extending and the problem is generally getting worse.
“One reason is thought to be the growing pollution.”
Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at Asthma UK, warned hay fever can trigger a fatal attack.
She said: “If you are experiencing coughing, tight chest or wheezing continue taking asthma and hay fever medication as prescribed.
“Pollen is a trigger for most of the one in 11 people in the UK with asthma. If you’ve started sneezing and your nose is blocked or runny, the best treatment is nasal steroid spray from the chemist, taken regularly.”