Seasonal allergies hit young harder

Young adults are twice as likely to suffer from hay fever as those aged 55 and over, a survey has found.

Almost half of younger Britons aged 16 to 24 (48%) and 47% of those aged between 25 and 34 have experienced a seasonal allergy such as hay fever or an allergy to pollen in the past year, compared with just 25% of those aged 55 and over, analysts Mintel found.

Region also plays a significant role, with 46% of Londoners suffering a seasonal allergy in the past 12 months compared to a national average of 39%.

The North East, North West, South East or East Anglia offer the best chance of respite, where just 35% of residents in these regions have been affected.

Overall, the market for allergy products in the UK increased by 5.6% between 2015 to 2016 to reach £133.7 million.

Mintel’s head of beauty and personal care, Lucy Cornford, said: “Young adults are the most likely to have experienced an allergy in the last year, which may be due to first-time development or greater awareness of an existing allergy, in contrast to older adults who may have learned to avoid certain triggers.

“Climate change looks to be increasing instances of seasonal allergies in the UK, with warmer weather causing trees and grass to flower early, releasing more pollen and elongating the hay fever season.

“High levels of air pollution within cities – and London in particular – is only serving to exacerbate hay fever symptoms for city and town dwellers.”