Experts explain why your hay fever is so bad this year
Many Brits have experienced worse hay fever symptoms this year, with a number of factors making allergies more severe. Here's why your runny nose and itchy eyes are worse this spring
Many of us might have noticed itchier eyes, runnier noses, and more frequent sneezing this year. In short: it appears hay fever has intensified compared to previous years. But what causes the escalation of hay fever symptoms?
Kristy Thomas, a physician with Prowise Healthcare, explained that the severity of hay fever fluctuations is attributable to the weather and pollen levels.
She remarked: "A warm spring is then more favourable to pollen production; hence the two periods coincide and are prolonged. Rising temperatures cause plants to release pollen earlier, and additional moisture from rain indoors can also prompt greater pollen production in plants."
This spring has brought a "perfect storm of conditions", says NHS GP Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp. "A mild winter followed by a sudden warm spring has led to high tree pollen levels being released all at once - a so-called 'pollen bomb," the GP added.
Furthermore, climate change's extension of growing seasons, coupled with heightened air pollution, can amplify pollen potency and exacerbate allergic reactions, the doctor explained.
According to Dr Helen Evans-Howells, pollen seasons are stretching out due to warmer temperatures, leading those with previously mild symptoms to notice their struggles more and drawing new sufferers into the fray, reports Surrey Live.
The GP and allergy expert pointed out: "Last year, the weather was particularly warm, meaning more pollen formed in the trees, increasing that which was released this year.
"Trees also follow cycles, with some years being worse than others for release of their pollen, this year was a high pollen release year."
But when do hay fever symptoms really hit hard? Symptoms tend to worsen on days with high pollen counts, as well as during windy conditions and thunderstorms.
Dr Evans-Howells noted: "During a thunderstorm or a windy day, pollen circulates more and is inhaled, triggering reactions."
Tree pollen tends to affect people from March to May, with grass pollen becoming more of an issue from mid-May to July, and weed pollen comes into play from late-June through September.
Dr Misra-Sharp advises that "Symptoms often flare in the early morning and late evenings, especially on warm, dry, breezy days."
Climate change has been blamed for our discomforting allergenic symptoms like watery eyes and sniffles, as stated by physician Kristy Thomas, who suggested it's resulted in longer allergy seasons. Air pollution can further exacerbate hay fever symptoms, she mentioned.
Additionally, Kristy recommended checking your local pollen forecast before heading outdoors in the summertime, with several weather applications now providing up-to-date pollen levels. When pollen levels soar, it's advisable to stay inside, especially during peak times.
You can attempt to dodge pollen by donning wrap-around sunglasses, keeping windows shut when indoors, showering after spending time outside, and drying your laundry indoors.
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