Hay fever sufferers face the ‘worst week of the year so far’ in Surrey and the South East
The highest grass pollen counts of 2024 have been recorded in the South East region.
A leading airborne allergens expert has issued advice for hay fever sufferers across Surrey and East Hampshire.
Very high pollen counts are forecast across the region for the next 4 days.
The main source of pollen at this time of year is grass pollen, which is at its most prevalent between mid May and the end of July.
It is believed that 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.
The most common symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny nose, a stuffed up nose, itchy and watery or streaming eyes, nasal congestion and a general stuffed up feeling in the nose and throat.
However, some people also experience itching around the face and mouth, including an itchy roof of mouth and a burning sensation in the throat.
In severe cases, headaches and wheezing can also occur, and asthma can be triggered.
Max Wiseberg is an airborne allergens expert and the founder of HayMax allergy advice and products.
He says hay fever is the result of our bodies making a miscalculation:
“The reason that we suffer from hay fever is because the body makes a mistake, the pollen gets into the body through the upper nasal tract and the body recognises it as a threat.”
“It responds to that threat by producing histamines, these are important because in our brain, histamines keep us alert, attentive and awake.”
“But when you've got too many of them, that's what makes you sneeze, your eyes run and all the other horrible symptoms of hay fever.”
Although many hay fever sufferers combat their allergies by taking antihistamines, this medication can have also pose potential dangers.
Max says people must be careful when taking such measures:
“An antihistamine is doing exactly what they say on the box – they anti the histamine!”
“That's all well and good for trying to help with the reactions, and it will help most people to an extent.”
“But also, because histamines keep you alert and attentive and awake, when you ‘anti’ them, it can make you drowsy.”
“If they do make you drowsy then you shouldn't drive a car or operate machinery, and a lot of people don't know that.”
Data shows that more people than ever are now suffering with hay fever.
Reasons for this are not entirely clear, but improved hygiene, pollution and climate change are possible causes.
Although there is no actual cure for hay fever, Max does have a number of tips to help sufferers reduce the impact of the symptoms.
“Stop pollen from getting in your home by keeping doors and windows closed so that tree pollen does not get blown into your home.
“Use an organic, drug-free allergen barrier balm such as HayMax to stop the allergen getting in your body by applying the balm the rim of the nostrils and bones of the eyes.
“Stay hydrated and eat lots of fruit and vegetables to stay healthy and support your immune system.”
“Hay fever can affect your sleep, so shower at night before bed to remove pollen particles from your hair and body.”
“Try using antihistamine nasal sprays, which can quickly ease itching, sneezing and watering to counter mild symptoms.”
“Create your own Hay Fever First Aid Kit including an allergen barrier balm, one (and only one) antihistamine, one (and only one) steroid nasal spray and eye drops.”
“Understand which types of pollen you are allergic to and try to avoid areas where these types of trees grow.”
Max Wiseberg’s website haymax.biz/hay-fever/ is a source of further information and guidance on hay fever.