Latest news with #WeldricksPharmacy
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Reason hay fever can get worse when it rains revealed - and it will surprise you
The UK has seen many people asking why their hay fever symptoms have actually got worse with recent showers on the back of a long period of dry weather and sunshine Brits have seen heavy showers in much of the country over the past few days after a long hot and dry spell, yet hay fever sufferers may have seen their symptoms worsen. Many people with the condition could well be wondering why they still are suffering even in the wet and an expert has revealed exactly why. Pharmacist Allan Green said that while light rain can bring relief by clearing pollen from the air, heavy rain can actually stir up pollen, particularly when it is windy or later in the day. Low pressure symptoms have been sweeping in from the Atlantic bringing wet weather especially for the west of the UK. And according to Weldricks Pharmacy, Google searches for 'why is my hay fever worse when it rains?' increased by 3,450% in the last week alone. Mr Green explained: 'Sunshine also plays a big part. Plants rely on light for photosynthesis, so cloudy spells may temporarily reduce pollen levels — but once the sun returns, expect a sharp rise. 'That's why it's so important for hay fever sufferers, especially parents of children with allergies, to stay alert to the weather forecast and plan accordingly.' Around 13 million people in the UK are thought to suffer from hay fever. Mr Green advised those struggling to avoid locations such as open fields, grasslands or areas with lots of trees, reported the Express. He added: 'Urban parks with more paved areas than trees or flowerbeds can also be a good option, or areas with natural windbreaks such as hills or mountains can help reduce the pollen in the air, regardless of the weather. 'If the rain gets heavy and you're staying indoors, remember to close the windows fully to prevent pollen stirred up by the rain from being blown inside. Using an air purifier and drying laundry indoors can also help reduce exposure. 'By keeping an eye on weather changes and adjusting your routine accordingly, you can significantly ease hay fever symptoms — even on unpredictable spring and summer days.' Pollen levels remained low over the bank holiday weekend but are expected to rise in some regions this week. As of Wednesday, the Met Office forecast was predicting high pollen levels in the South West, London and South East, and the East of England on Saturday and Sunday. There is a divide developing across the country with north and west set for cooler conditions for the end of the week while the south east could see highs of 25C.
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Experts expose the truth about local honey calling it 'detrimental' to summer health
Experts have warned that local honey won't cure hayfever, despite growing online searches suggesting it may help ease symptoms due to the local pollen bees use to make it Brits have been buzzing about local honey as a miracle cure for hayfever - but experts have now swatted down the sweet myth, warning it could do more harm than good this summer. As the UK pollen count soars and sufferers reach for natural remedies, online searches for 'is local honey good for hayfever?' and 'eating local honey for allergies' have exploded, according to Google Trends. But the popular belief that spooning down honey from your local bees can protect you from sneezing, itchy eyes and scratchy throats has no science behind it - and could leave allergy sufferers worse off, according to pharmacists. Allan Green, a leading pharmacist and hayfever specialist at Weldricks Pharmacy, says the trend is misleading. "This is a widely discussed hayfever remedy," he explains, "but there's no solid scientific evidence that eating honey will cure your pollen allergy." The theory behind the trend is that bees collect local pollen to make their honey, so by consuming it, people can supposedly build immunity to the very allergens causing their hayfever. But Allan says the facts simply don't add up, explaining: "The actual amount of pollen in finished honey is tiny. It's unlikely to be concentrated enough to make any real difference to your immune system." Allan claims it could even be dangerous as people rely solely on honey instead of using proven hayfever treatments like antihistamines or nasal sprays, leaving them wide open to misery during peak pollen season. "Relying on honey alone," Allan warns, "could actually be detrimental to hayfever sufferers, especially when they skip proper medication believing this sweet trick will do the job." That's not to say you need to ditch honey completely. While honey won't cure hayfever, it can still help soothe sore throats and calm tickly coughs - similar to how it helps treat people suffering from cold or flu symptoms. For those who do suffer from hayfever, Allan advises: "Start your antihistamines now. Getting ahead of your symptoms is key. "Combining trusted medicine with soothing extras like honey is fine - just don't expect a miracle from the honey alone." With hayfever season well and truly upon us, another pharmacist has warned those who suffer about certain types of antihistamines on the market. Deborah Grayson took to TikTok to address growing concerns about the long-term safety of over-the-counter allergy medications, particularly those that cause drowsiness. Known online as the "Godmother of Pharmacology", Deborah said there is a "distinct risk" of developing dementia from long-term use of sedative antihistamines, due to their impact on brain chemistry. Deborah said: "In short, you can [take antihistamines daily], especially if you're using it for allergies, hayfever, seasonal rhinitis, allergic rhinitis and the problem is there consistently. "I would always advise taking a non-drowsy antihistamine as opposed to one that causes drowsiness because the drowsy antihistamines interfere with the neurotransmitters in the brain and if we're using those long term, there is a distinct risk of dementia as a result of this."
