Latest news with #DeepaliMisra-Sharp
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
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.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Doctors issue heat warning to people with common issue – high temperatures can make it even worse
WITH temperatures in the UK rising into the summer, health experts have issued a warning to people with a particular ailment. While the warm weather may be welcome after the cold winter months, it's essential to take steps 2 Health experts have issued a warning to people with a common ailment during the hot weather With many parts of the country experiencing high temperatures, peaking at 23C on Sunday and Monday, in the lead up to summer, it's important to prioritise your health in the sun. And with weather set to continue heating up into May and June, a medical expert warned that millions of patients will be left more vulnerable to migraines. While Brits tend to flock to the nearest parks and beer gardens to bask in the sunshine, many may be guilty of neglecting hydration. The risk of people with migraines suffering an attack is greatly heightened in these conditions. "People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot," Dr. Steve Allder, a neurologist, told the Daily Mail. Higher temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict and expand. This fluctuation in blood flow to the brain can then contribute to migraines. Hotter weather also increases the risk of dehydration, which can make brain tissues shrink. They then pull away from your skull, putting pressure on nerves and increasing the risk of a migraine. Migraines affect an estimated 10 million people aged 15-69 in the UK — almost a quarter of the adult population. Urgent health alert as GP shares ways to combat illness with simple everyday task To reduce the chances of a heat-induced migraine, Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp recommended staying in the shade, donning sunglasses, and maintaining hydration levels. She spoke to Surrey Live about the steps to take if you feel a migraine coming on in the sunshine. The expert suggested seeking out a cool quiet spot to take shade and recover. Dr. Allder also explained that those with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects nerve function, may be affected by the high temperatures. He revealed these patients "will have far less resilience" to cope with temperature changes. How to keep cool in a heatwave Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. The medical expert added that MS symptoms can temporarily worsen in heat as an increased body temperature causes signals to slow down in already damaged nerves. This causes issues such as fatigue, vision problems, or weakness but these symptoms typically improve when the body cools down. Dr Mark Cox, who works in A&E, spoke to Metro about why the hot temperatures can make us feel more cranky. "Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain's emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system," he explained. "That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression."
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Doctors issue heat warning to people with common issue – high temperatures can make it even worse
WITH temperatures in the UK rising into the summer, health experts have issued a warning to people with a particular ailment. While the warm weather may be welcome after the cold winter months, it's essential to take steps Advertisement 2 Health experts have issued a warning to people with a common ailment during the hot weather With many parts of the country experiencing high temperatures, peaking at 23C on Sunday and Monday, in the lead up to summer, it's important to prioritise your health in the sun. And with weather set to continue heating up into May and June, a medical expert warned that millions of patients will be left more vulnerable to migraines. While Brits tend to flock to the nearest parks and beer gardens to bask in the sunshine, many may be guilty of neglecting hydration. The risk of people with migraines suffering an attack is greatly heightened in these conditions. Advertisement "People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot," Dr. Steve Allder, a neurologist, told the Higher temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict and expand. This fluctuation in blood flow to the brain can then contribute to migraines. Hotter weather also increases the risk of dehydration, which can make brain tissues shrink. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Tested They then pull away from your skull, putting pressure on nerves and increasing the risk of a migraine. Migraines affect an estimated 10 million people aged 15-69 in the UK — almost a quarter of the adult population. Urgent health alert as GP shares ways to combat illness with simple everyday task To reduce the chances of a heat-induced migraine, Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp recommended staying in the shade, donning sunglasses, and maintaining hydration levels. She spoke to Advertisement The expert suggested seeking out a cool quiet spot to take shade and recover. Dr. Allder also explained that those with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects nerve function, may be affected by the high temperatures. He revealed these patients "will have far less resilience" to cope with temperature changes. How to keep cool in a heatwave Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep. The medical expert added that MS symptoms can temporarily worsen in heat as an increased body temperature causes signals to slow down in already damaged nerves. Advertisement This causes issues such as fatigue, vision problems, or weakness but these symptoms typically improve when the body cools down. Dr Mark Cox, who works in A&E, spoke to Read more on the Irish Sun "Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain's emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system," he explained. "That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression." Advertisement 2 According to experts, migraine symptoms can be worsened by hotter temperatures (stock image) Credit: Getty
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor issues heat warning to millions with common ailment: 'People suffer more when it gets hot'
This week's heatwave could leave millions of patients more vulnerable to migraines, a medic warns. Thousands have flocked to parks and beer gardens to bask in the UK's sweltering heat, with some parts of the country set to reach 29C (84f). But as the mercury rises so does the risk of people with migraines suffering an attack. Dr Steve Allder, a neurologist, said 'People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot.' High temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict and expand and this fluctuation in blood flow to the brain can contribute to the agonising headaches. Additionally, hotter weather increases the risk of dehydration, which can make your brain tissues shrink and pull away from your skull, putting pressure on nerves and increasing the risk of a migraine. In the UK, migraines affect an estimated 10million people aged 15-69 — almost a quarter of the adult population. GP Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp advised staying in the shade, donning sunglasses, maintaining hydration levels, to help reduce the chances of a heat-induced migraine. She suggested that if you feel a headache or migraine brewing, it's best to seek out a cool, quiet spot, according to Surrey Live. Dr Allder also added that those with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects nerve function, 'will have far less resilience' to cope with temperature changes. He said MS symptoms can temporarily worsen in heat as increased body temperature causes signals to slow down in already damaged nerves. This leads to issues like fatigue, vision problems, or weakness but typically improves once the body cools down. And if you've ever wondered why you're more likely to get cranky in the blazing heat, it all comes down to how hard our body works to regulate our body temperature. A&E doctor, Dr Mark Cox explained: 'Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain's emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system. 'That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression,' A&E doctor, he told Metro. Hot weather can also pose a risk for people taking antidepressants. Dr Sameer Sanghvi, GP at Lloyds Pharmacy Online warned: 'Common antidepressants can all stop the temperature-regulating area of the brain from functioning as it should. 'Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.' One in six people in England are on antidepressants, official NHS data suggests. Today marks the UK's hottest day of 2025 so far for the fourth consecutive day, after highs of 26.7C (80.1F), 24.9C (76.8F) and 24.5C (76.1F) for the past three days. The warm weather continues tomorrow with 26C (79F) highs before temperatures drop this weekend with 19C (66F) on Saturday and 16C (61F) on Sunday. Bank Holiday Monday will also be significantly cooler with highs of just 14C (57F) before next Tuesday and Wednesday get up to only 15C (59F) or 16C (61F).
