Latest news with #MaxWiseberg


Glasgow Times
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Loads pictured soaking up the sun at Glasgow beer gardens
Punters have been pictured enjoying pints, cocktails, and juices at boozers on St Vincent Place and George Square this afternoon (Friday, May 9). In images captured by the Glasgow Times, happy customers can be seen enjoying the sunshine and their drinks at Wetherspoons Counting House beer garden on George Square. (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Meanwhile, loads more revellers have been photographed sitting outside watering holes on St Vincent Place. It comes as temperatures in Glasgow have soared to 18 degrees today, with the heat set to increase over the weekend. (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest) On Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, temperatures will rise to highs of 21 degrees in the city. However, while temperatures are set to increase, hay fever sufferers across the region have been warned. READ MORE: Glaswegians warned as 'high' pollen levels to hit the city We reported how high pollen counts are returning to the Strathclyde region, with pollen levels expected to increase over the coming days. According to the Met Office, pollen levels will be 'medium' on Saturday, May 10; however, 'high' levels of pollen are predicted to sweep across the city on Sunday, May 11. Ahead of the high levels, Airborne Allergens expert Max Wiseberg has urged those with Hayfever to 'keep their windows and doors closed'.


Glasgow Times
09-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow residents warned as pollen levels to be 'high'
High pollen counts are returning to the Strathclyde region, with pollen levels expected to increase over the coming days. According to the Met Office, pollen levels will be 'medium' on Saturday, May 10; however, 'high' levels of pollen are predicted to sweep across the city on Sunday, May 11. Ahead of the high levels, Airborne Allergens expert Max Wiseberg has urged those with Hayfever to 'keep their windows and doors closed'. READ MORE: Police issue statement after Glasgow Orange walk members 'trolled' online READ MORE: Footage released after incident on Glasgow Central train service He said: 'The main pollen expected at this time of year is oak, and there is some early grass pollen. 'The pollen count is measured according to the number of pollen grains per cubic metre of air. "The pollen count forecast can help you to judge if your hay fever symptoms will be particularly severe on any given day. "Many hay fever sufferers start to experience symptoms when the count reaches 'moderate'. "Pollen forecasts have been low for the past few days, so many people may have thought the season was over for them. "But we're seeing high pollen counts return this weekend.' 'Many people may have stopped taking their medications as a result of the recent low pollen levels, and they can take time to build up to maximum effectiveness again. 'When you go outdoors, as well as using an allergen barrier balm, wear wraparound sunglasses to help stop pollen from getting in your eyes. "Tie up long hair and wear a cap or other head cover to help stop pollen getting in your hair.' 'If you are planning a barbecue, avoid early evening – in fact, try to avoid being outdoors in the early evening and early in the morning – as this is when pollen counts are at their highest. "Many fruits and vegetables contain quercetin, which is thought to limit the release of histamine, the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in your body. "So, try to incorporate these into salads and other dishes. "Red onions, kale, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, blueberries and apples are good options. And garlic reduces catarrh.' 'When you return home after being outdoors, remove footwear at the door so you don't tread pollen around your home. "Wash your face or take a shower and put on clean (pollen-free) clothes – to remove pollen that has attached itself to your hair, body and clothes.' 'Keep doors and windows closed, especially during the day, to help stop pollen getting in your home. "This also applies when driving – keep car windows closed and use the air conditioning instead. "Though ensure that air conditioning or a pollen filter is cleaned regularly, so pollen is filtered out effectively.'


The Sun
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Cheapest way to buy hayfever tablets – you could make a huge saving of £27 this summer
THERE is a way to get the same allergy relief medication for almost a quarter of the price of big name brands. As hay fever becomes more rife moving into summer, this could mean a saving of £27 over the months of June, July and August. People generally know that buying branded medications are almost always more costly than their generic equivalents. On top of that, most over-the-counter drugs have the same medical properties no matter the brand, price or form it comes in. The Royal Pharmaceutical said: "Whether they are branded or generic, all medicines are the same so you can be reassured your medicine is safe." The key thing to look out for is the "active" ingredient of the remedy, which manufacturers may change. So once you have found the right active ingredient, you can start looking for the best deal to purchase your medicine. For effective relief from allergy symptoms, people often turn to Cetirizine, which the NHS describes as an "antihistimine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies". It can be used to treat things like hay fever, conjunctivitis, and eczema, and comes in tablet, capsule or liquid form. Common stores like Boots, Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco sell Cetirizine both through brands as well as with their own equivalents of the medicine. Among the more well-known brands of Cetirizine are Piriteze and Zirtek, which can cost £11.55 for a 30-pack of the tablets from a pharmacy like Boots. However, buying the generic Boots version of Cetirizine costs just £2.75, meaning a saving nearly £9. Woman missed her brother's wedding because of 'life-ruining' hay fever symptoms And over the three months of summer, this could bring a saving of £27. Similarly, the Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco medications can also provide savings of around £8 when bought instead of the branded equivalents. In the past, PharmacyFirst has been seen to offer the cheapest deal for Cetirizine online, oferring 120 tablets all for £2.75. Chemist4U has also proven to be a cheap option, where 180 tablets have gone for £7.54. These cost-saving findings come after research revealed hay fever sufferers spent more than £3,600 on medication over their lifetime. A poll also found 62 per cent of people with these allergies go through up to two boxes of antihistamine tablets a month. 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.'