Latest news with #MaxWiseberg
Scottish Sun
23-07-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Exact date Scotland will battered by rare ‘pollen bomb' as temperatures set to hit 22 degrees
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS are facing a 'pollen bomb' affecting half the country over the next 24 hours - as the mercury rises to 22C. Around 2.2million residents are under the threat from the hay fever-inducing grains on Thursday, causing potential misery for many. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A pollen bomb is set to hit parts of Scotland The Met Office prediction covers major cities and towns including Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Stirling. Fife and Dumfries and Galloway also fall within the warning zone. Weather experts indicate grass pollen concentrations will reach elevated levels on Thursday, registering between 50 and 150 grains of grass pollen per cubic metre. Hay fever reactions typically commence at 50 grains per cubic metre. The remainder of Scotland will maintain low grass pollen readings, with both areas dropping back to minimal levels on Friday. Saturday will witness Grampian and Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders experiencing moderate conditions, while all three eastern coastal areas will register moderate readings on Sunday, July 27. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, said: 'The grass pollen season hasn't finished yet in Scotland.' He explained the 'pollen bomb' – an unofficial phrase describing a sudden brief surge of intense pollen release – will spark hay fever reactions in numerous individuals. He added: 'With the latest pollen bomb forecast for the Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders and Central, Tayside and Fife regions, many people will get symptoms again as 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.' We previously reported how Scots are still recovering from last weekend's deluge of torrential downpours and thunderstorms, which caused flooding chaos over the last few days. Parts of the country saw two weeks' worth of rain fall in just one hour as extreme weather gripped the nation. The Met Office issued three back-to-back yellow warnings that lasted from Friday through to Tuesday, and on Monday SEPA issued a total of 16 flood alerts and three flood warnings. Forecasters warned there was a chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater as thunderstorms posed 'a danger to life'. The torrential rain was so severe in some areas that roads and rail lines were left completely submerged, and in other places some locals were forced to use paddleboards to get around towns. So it's no wonder that many Scots will be hoping to see some more sunshine now that we're at the peak time of summer.
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
5 laundry hacks to help with hay fever as pollen count soars this week – including ditching fabric softener in your wash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE POLLEN count is set to soar this week, leaving many with itchy, red eyes and a runny nose. Hayfever affects almost 10 million people in the UK and leaves many unable to enjoy the glorious summer weather. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Hay fever can ruin many people's summers 2 Hanging your laundry outside can lead to pollen falling on to clothes Credit: Getty Pollen levels will each their highest on Thursday this week, so before then, it's a good idea to do all that you can to try and mitigate the problem. 1. Deep clean your washing machine Pollen can get inside your washing machine, redepositing allergens back on to your clean clothes. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean your machine, by running it on a hot cycle. Simply, place a detox tablet into your washing machine, run it on the hottest possible setting, and then make sure to wipe down the door deal and filter. 2. Dry clothes inside Although it may seem like common sense to dry your clothes outside in the hot dry weather, pollen from your garden can end up sticking on your dry clothing. To avoid this, try drying your clothes inside instead. 3. Ditch fabric softener Fabric softeners may make your clothes silky soft, but they also make it easier for pollen to lodge deep inside the structure of your clothes. The heavy fragrance in the products also contains chemicals, which can irritate the skin and lead to respiratory problems. 4. Buy anti-allergy bedding Anti-allergy bedding is a great way to be able to ensure you can still have a great night's sleep if you suffer from allergies. Depending on which type of bedding you buy, it can work in two ways. Woman missed her brother's wedding because of 'life-ruining' hay fever symptoms Firstly, the bedding can work to trap dust and pollen within the duvet, so it can't be dispersed and irritate your allergies. Or, natural materials work to repel dust and pollen, so they can't become trapped in your bedding. Home Bargains is currently selling an anti-allergy duvet for just £7.99. Wash bedding every week Normally, it is recommended to wash your bedding every one to two weeks. Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' However, if you suffer from allergies, you should make sure to do it every week. Pollen can easily become trapped in your bedding and build up, leading to severe symptoms and lack of sleep. For the best results, wash your bedding at 60 degrees, and wait until its completely dry before putting it back on your bed.
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
5 laundry hacks to help with hay fever as pollen count soars this week – including ditching fabric softener in your wash
THE POLLEN count is set to soar this week, leaving many with itchy, red eyes and a runny nose. Hayfever affects almost 10 million people in the UK and leaves many unable to enjoy the 2 Hay fever can ruin many people's summers 2 Hanging your laundry outside can lead to pollen falling on to clothes Credit: Getty 1. Deep clean your washing machine Pollen can get inside your washing machine, redepositing allergens back on to your clean clothes. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean your machine, by running it on a hot cycle. Simply, place a detox tablet into your washing machine, run it on the hottest possible setting, and then make sure to wipe down the door deal and filter. Read more hay fever stories 2. Dry clothes inside Although it may seem like common sense to dry your clothes outside in the hot dry weather, pollen from your garden can end up sticking on your dry clothing. To avoid this, try drying your clothes inside instead. 3. Ditch fabric softener The heavy fragrance in the products also contains chemicals, which can irritate the skin and lead to respiratory problems. Most read in Fabulous 4. Buy anti-allergy bedding Anti-allergy bedding is a great way to be able to ensure you can still have a great night's sleep if you suffer from allergies. Depending on which type of bedding you buy, it can work in two ways. Woman missed her brother's wedding because of 'life-ruining' hay fever symptoms Firstly, the bedding can work to trap dust and pollen within the duvet, so it can't be dispersed and irritate your allergies. Or, natural materials work to repel dust and pollen, so they can't become trapped in your bedding. Home Bargains is currently selling an Wash bedding every week Normally, it is recommended to wash your bedding every one to two weeks. Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' However, if you suffer from allergies, you should make sure to do it every week. Pollen can easily become trapped in your bedding and build up, leading to severe symptoms and lack of sleep. For the best results, wash your bedding at 60 degrees, and wait until its completely dry before putting it back on your bed.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Every Scots household warned to keep windows CLOSED today – don't get caught out
HAY THERE Every Scots household warned to keep windows CLOSED today – don't get caught out Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOUSEHOLDS across Scotland have been urged to keep their windows closed today. Scots will be basking in temperatures of up to 27C in some parts of the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Scots will be basking in temperatures of 27C today Credit: Michael Schofield 4 The hot weather is set to bring the worst day of the year so far for pollen levels Credit: Getty But the sunshine and hot weather is set to bring the worst day of the year so far for pollen levels. And three areas north of the border very high pollen counts today. The Met Office has revealed that there will be high grass and weed pollen across Strathclyde, Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders, and Central, Tayside and Fife. Central, Tayside and Fife, and Strathclyde will step down to a high category on Saturday, but Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders will stay at very high. Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg has offered his advice to fellow hay fever sufferers during this time. He has urged household to keep their windows closed to keep the levels of pollen in your home at a low. Max said: "You can reduce the amount of pollen in and around your home. Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out. "Take off your shoes when you return home so you don't tread pollen around. "Washing your face, or better still taking a shower and changing your clothes, on returning home, will get rid of pollen from your body and the clothes you are wearing. "Ensure that you vacuum floors and carpets regularly, as well as fabrics and upholstery such as curtains and sofas. Woman missed her brother's wedding because of 'life-ruining' hay fever symptoms "And damp dust surfaces – damp dusting helps stop pollen being dispersed back into the air. "If you have a pet, make sure you keep it clean and well groomed to remove the pollen that collects in its fur when it's outdoors." He added: "Friday is set to be the worst of the year so far for pollen levels across Scotland, with the year's first very high counts in the Grampian, Central, Tayside & Fife and Dumfries, Galloway, Borders & Lothian regions and high counts in Strathclyde and Highlands & Eilean Siar. "Orkney and Shetland will have moderate counts on Friday and Saturday – enough to trigger hay fever symptoms for many people. 4 The Met Office pollen forecast for today "June and July are peak hay fever season when grass pollen is at its highest. "Hay fever is a result of our immune system's overreaction to innocuous allergens such as pollen. "The body's reaction to pollen is to produce histamines. "Normal amounts of histamines in your brain are good – they keep you alert, attentive and awake. "But, when there are too many in your body, they produce the various symptoms common to hay fever sufferers including sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, watery eyes, streaming eyes, swollen eyes, itchy nose and throat."
Scottish Sun
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Exact date Scotland to be hit with ‘worst day of the year for hay fever'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HAY FEVER sufferers have been warned that Scotland is set to be hit with the 'worst day of the year' for pollen count in the coming days. Scots are set to bask in scorching 28C temperatures this week as a plume of air from Africa sweeps across the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Scots have been warned that the 'worst day of the year for hay fever' will hit this week Credit: Getty 4 Most of the country will experience 'very high' levels in days Credit: MET OFFICE 4 It comes as temperatures are set to soar as a plume of air from Africa sweeps across Scotland Credit: Andrew Barr 4 And weather maps show that some areas could see highs of 28C Weather maps from WXCharts show that the mercury could climb to its highest levels since summer 2023 as the warmest spell of 2025 heads our way. It comes as air makes its way from North Africa and drifts northwards later this week. The mercury is expected to reach the low to mid-20s by Friday across the country, and STV weatherman Sean revealed that highs of 28C "aren't out of the question". But the warmer weather will also mean that the pollen count will soar at the tail end of this week, leading up to the warmer days. The higher temperatures allow birch trees to offload pollen into the air - which will keep people sneezing for several days. Birch is the main pollen type across Scotland, with ash too in the southern and central regions. With warm, dry sunny weather returning for much of Scotland, this is not good news for hay fever sufferers Max Wiseberg Many hay fever sufferers start to experience symptoms when the count reaches 'medium'. Pollen levels have remained 'medium' in all regions across Scotland over recent weeks. But Friday will see 'high' and 'very high' levels across almost the whole country In fact, it is expected to be so severe that experts have said it is "forecast to be the worst day of the year so far for pollen levels in Scotland". Woman missed her brother's wedding because of 'life-ruining' hay fever symptoms Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and the Borders had moderate to high levels at the beginning of the week, but this will shoot up to 'very high' levels on Friday and Saturday. Central, Tayside and Fife will follow the same pattern, as well as the Grampian areas. Strathclyde areas and locations in the Highlands will see levels rise from 'moderate' today and tomorrow to 'high' on Friday and Saturday. The only places that will still remain at a 'moderate' level are the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Allergens expert Max Wiseberg says: 'With warm, dry sunny weather returning for much of Scotland, this is not good news for hay fever sufferers as pollen counts are rising across the country. "Friday is forecast to be the worst day of the year so far for pollen levels in Scotland, with the first very high counts of the year across southern, central and north east Scotland "As a general guide, the pollen count tends to be lower on rainy days and higher when it's hot and sunny. June and July are peak hay fever season when grass pollen is at its highest. Friday is forecast to be the worst day of the year so far for pollen levels in Scotland, with the first very high counts of the year across southern, central and north east Scotland Max Wiseberg "Hay fever is a result of our immune system's overreaction to innocuous allergens such as pollen. The body's reaction to pollen is to produce histamines. "Normal amounts of histamines in your brain are good – they keep you alert, attentive and awake. "But, when there are too many in your body, they produce the various symptoms common to hay fever sufferers including sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, watery eyes, streaming eyes, swollen eyes, itchy nose and throat.' It's estimated that half the British population suffer from hay fever symptoms, according to Allergy UK. Many are plagued by symptoms of hay fever every summer - from itchy eyes, a constant runny nose, and headaches to irritating sneezes and a sore throat. But for people with respiratory conditions, like asthma, high pollen levels can be fatal. Asthma + Lung UK's research suggests pollen is a trigger for 47 per cent of people with asthma and 27 per cent of those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD). This can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, a tight chest and breathlessness to flare up. Max, who is also the creator of HayMax allergen barrier balms, has advised hay fever sufferers what measures and precautions to take to help reduce the effects of the pollen. He explained: "As with all allergies, avoidance is key. If you are allergic to wheat, you avoid wheat, and it's the same with grass pollen. Only it's a bit trickier as pollen is in the air we breathe. "So begin with an organic allergen barrier balm to help stop pollen getting in your body. If less gets in, there's less for your body to deal with and less for it to react to. "Organic allergen barrier balms, such as HayMax which has been proven to trap over one third of pollen, are applied around the nostrils and bones of the eyes to trap pollen. 'Next, you can reduce the amount of pollen in and around your home. Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out. "Take off your shoes when you return home so you don't tread pollen around. Washing your face, or better still, taking a shower and changing your clothes, on returning home, will get rid of pollen from your body and the clothes you are wearing. 'Ensure that you vacuum floors and carpets regularly, as well as fabrics and upholstery such as curtains and sofas. "And damp dust surfaces – damp dusting helps stop pollen being dispersed back into the air. If you have a pet, make sure you keep it clean and well-groomed to remove the pollen that collects in its fur when it's outdoors." He added: 'Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors will help stop pollen getting in your eyes and a hat, cap or other head covering will help prevent it getting trapped in your hair. 'And of course there are many remedies, treatments and natural products available that help deal with the symptoms once they occur. "Antihistamine tablets work by counteracting the affects of the histamines. Some are available over the counter from pharmacies, whilst others are available only on prescription. "Natural antihistamines are also available, such as quercetin and butterbur. Antihistamine nasal sprays can quickly ease itching, sneezing and watering but are generally only proof against mild symptoms. "Steroid nasal sprays and drops reduce inflammation in the nose; they work best for clearing nasal symptoms – itching, sneezing, watering and congestion – and sprays sometimes clear eye symptoms too. Eye drops may help reduce itchy, watering, swollen eyes. 'And if one product doesn't work try combining treatments – in other words create your own 'Hay Fever First Aid Kit'. "My recommendation is an organic allergen barrier balm, one (and only one) antihistamine, one (and only one) steroid nasal spray, eye drops and one or more natural remedies.'
