How to tackle the most common allergies among Brits as hay fever season begins

ALLERGIES are the most common chronic disease in Britain, with millions of us suffering from reactions to pollen, dust and foods.

More than 40 per cent of adults suffer at least one allergy — and almost half have more, according to charity Allergy UK.

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As hay fever season hits, with pollen counts climbing from now until mid-summer, Sun on Sunday Health asks the experts to explain some of the most common allergies — and if you can really cure them.

Allergy specialist Professor Helen Brough said: “We are seeing more allergies among adults and children.

“Climate change and pollution are making pollen season worse for hay fever sufferers.

“Meanwhile, studies show the number of peanut and tree-nut allergies have tripled in past decades.”

Allergies are most common in children and least common in pensioners.

Many people take over-the-counter anti-histamines which block symptom-causing chemicals released by your immune system.

Those with more severe allergies may carry a life-saving adrenaline shot to reverse the body’s reaction, which can include difficulty breathing.

Prof Brough, founder of Children’s Allergy Doctors, said: “Spending more time indoors, using detergents that break down the barrier of our skin, which is the entry point for allergens, and eating more ultra-processed foods that weaken our gut microbiome have contributed to a higher number of allergy sufferers.”

Here, the experts explain some of the big allergens . . . 

GRASS POLLEN

Dr Beverly Adams-Groom, a pollen expert for Clarityn, said: “All pollen types produce the same hay fever symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, nasal congestion and irritability, but grass pollen is by far the worst offender overall.

“There are around 150 grass species in the UK, about 12 of which affect hay fever sufferers most, from late April onwards.

Only people with the gene for the allergy can suffer from hay fever, which is why not everyone gets it.

“There is no cure so people have to manage their symptoms with medication or other treatments.

“Try not to bring pollen indoors. Take a shower when you get home and, if possible, ask others to change their clothes.

“Always wipe down pets with a damp cloth.”

TREE POLLEN

The tree pollen season is already in full flow to the end of May, with birch pollen responsible for 25 per cent of our hay fever reactions.

Ash, plane and oak tree pollen also trigger reactions.

Dr Adams-Groom recommended: “Outside, try to wear a mask to reduce inhalation of pollen and wrap-around sunglasses to prevent it getting in the eyes.

“Look at pollen forecasts and ask your pharmacist about tablets, nasal sprays or barrier balms, many of which can be used in conjunction.”

POLLEN FOOD SYNDROME

Professor Brough said: “If you ever get a scratchy or tingling feeling in your mouth and lips when you eat raw fruit, you may have pollen food syndrome, which is where food allergies meet hay fever.

“This affects people who also have a grass, tree or weed pollen allergy.

“They may also experience mild swelling and redness around the lips, throat, mouth or face.”

Apples, peaches and other stone fruits, carrots and potatoes as well as some nuts trigger reactions.

She added: “Cooking fruits or vegetables and roasting nuts all help to manage this.”

DUST MITE

Dust mite allergy is triggered by tiny house dust mites that live off human skin scales and lurk in carpets, curtains and bedding.

Signs of dust mite allergy are similar to hay fever and it can exacerbate asthma and eczema.

Prof Brough said: “It’s a year-round problem for millions.

“While it cannot be cured, ensuring good ventilation, vacuuming carpets, washing bedding at least weekly and getting mite-proof mattress, pillow and duvet covers can help to keep it under control.”

PEANUTS

Peanut allergy affects one in 50 children and one in 200 adults. It varies in severity, causing itching, hives, swelling or redness, stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea, runny or congested nose and coughing or difficulty breathing.

It is not usually outgrown, but scientific studies have found that gradual oral exposure to peanuts can lead to reduced sensitivity, which makes sufferers less likely to react to accidental peanut exposure.

Prof Brough explained: “This is done through giving increasing amounts of peanuts under specialist allergist supervision.

“The best way to prevent peanut allergy altogether is through exposing children to smooth peanut butter mixed with purees early, from six months, and often.

“Studies found an 81 per cent reduction in peanut allergy by age five if kids are given a heaped teaspoon of peanut butter three times a week.”

EGGS

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“Like peanuts, there is strong evidence that introducing one egg a week to children from six months can prevent egg allergy,” said Prof Brough.

It affects just one per cent of adults but two per cent — one in 50 — of children. It is usually caused by proteins in the white.

Symptoms can appear within seconds and include swelling, dizziness, stomach pain and breathing difficulties.

Children with egg allergies often experience eczema, hay fever, and asthma too, said Prof Brough.

She added: “There is no cure but egg allergy is often outgrown.”

MILK

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Cow’s milk allergies affect seven per cent of children under one.

Symptoms include a rash, skin swelling, stomach ache, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Prof Brough says: “The likelihood of outgrowing this allergy depends on the person and severity of their reaction.

“There is no cure but again this allergy is often outgrown.

“Food allergies can be detected by doctors using a skin prick or blood test.”