Warning to hayfever sufferers as pollen bomb strikes over the Jubilee weekend
HAYFEVER sufferers are set to be in for a weekend of misery as pollen levels rise across the country this Jubilee weekend.
Millions of Brits suffer from the condition and with celebrations being in full swing the next few days, it's likely many will be enjoying the great outdoors.
Whether it's a garden party or a barbecue to celebrate the monarch, many will be more exposed to pollen circulating.
Brits in the South West, London, the South East, the East of England, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, Wales and the North West will all be subjected to high levels of pesky pollen today.
Throughout the rest of the weekend this is set to die down slightly, with southern areas being mostly impacted.
The sun is shining today in the majority of the English regions, which is set to continue tomorrow.
Read more on hayfever
But as the weather turns wet over Saturday and Sunday, stormy weather could trigger a pollen bomb, leaving many with itchy eyes and runny noses.
Temperatures are expected to hit 22C thanks to a plume of tropical air sweeping in from the continent today.
The weather will be warmest in the South East of England, where highs of 22C are forecast in London - which is one area where the pollen count is also the highest.
Elsewhere, the mercury will hover in the high teens to mid 20s - but it’s sunshine pretty much all round.
Most read in Health
Around one in four adults are plagued by hay fever – and most are allergic to grass pollen, which erupts from mid-May until July.
Dr Manpreet Bains, GP at said the condition is also known as allergic rhinitis or seasonal rhinitis.
This is when the eyes, nose, mouth and throat come into contact with tiny pollen particles and trigger an immune response - causing the body to react.
"The symptoms of this reaction can include itchy, watery and red eyes.
"Nasal symptoms can include a blocked or runny nose. Throat symptoms can include an itching sensation and soreness,” says Dr. Manpreet.
HELP AT HAND
Earlier this week Dr Zoe Williams said those suffering with hayfever should first visit the pharmacy - where experts can help with over the counter remedies.
She explained that prevention is better that cure, and avoiding pollen can make a huge difference.
Dr Zoe suggested that those who struggle could try the NeilMed sinus rinse device which many allergy doctors advise using.
"First-line medicine treatment is with either antihistamine tablets (cetirizine or loratadine) or a steroid nasal spray.
"It can take a few days, and up to three weeks, for a steroid spray to build up to its full effect," Dr Zoe added.
"So ideally, start it a couple of weeks before you anticipate symptoms.
"Most people forget to but it is worth bearing in mind this delay and stick with using it even if you do not get an immediate relief of symptoms."
But if your symptoms persist once you have tried the pharmacist's recommendations, then Dr Zoe said it might be time to see your GP.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
"They might prescribe the antihistamine fexofenadine, or for those who also have asthma may consider a drug called montelukast.
"Occasionally, short courses of steroids are used for severe cases, and some people who have no relief, despite all of the above can be referred for immunotherapy," Dr Zoe added.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours