Months of hayfever misery set to start THIS weekend as temperatures soar and pollen clouds descend
About 18 million people in the UK suffer from hayfever and that is expected to soar to 31.8 million by 2030
WHILE the rising temperatures and longer days are a welcome sight for many, for the millions of hayfever sufferers in the UK it spells misery.
Experts have warned the tell-tale signs, think itchy eyes and an endless streaming nose, will return with a vengeance this weekend, as the country basks in balmy weather.
The pollen season is upon us, leading hayfever expert Dr Jean Emberlin said.
And the invisible clouds of pollen spores are set to hit with full force this weekend, and next, marking the start of what will feel like endless months of sneezing and irritation.
Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life.
Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their pollination cycle.
The spores travel in the atmosphere in order for the plants to be grown elsewhere where the pollen lands.
Unfortunately, it contains a protein that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen and irritated.
MOST READ IN HEALTH
According to leading hayfever expert, Dr Jean Emberlin, the birch pollen season could start suddenly and she predicts it will begin during the first week of April in the South of England, Wales and the Midlands, progressing to the north of England and Scotland over the next two weeks.
She said: "If there is a period of dry weather with some wind once the pollen is ready to leave the trees, the birch pollen counts will rise suddenly from low to high over a few days.
"Once the season has started, high or very high birch pollen counts will occur on warm, dry days with some wind and the season is likely to last about four weeks in each region."
About 18 million people in the UK suffer from hayfever and that is expected to soar to 31.8 million by 2030.
Dr Emberlin, speaking on behalf of Opticrom Hayfever Eye Drops, explained that the symptoms can cause people misery right up until September.
She said that if you are planning on a weekend spring getaway and you suffer from hayfever, you should head north or west and stick to coastal areas where the pollen levels are lower.
In a survey conducted by Opticrom, 30 per cent of people admitted to experiencing watery eyes and an alarming 12 per cent of people said they suffered from blurred vision while driving.
Dr Emberlin said: "The first rule of driving is to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
"However, this isn’t always possible for hayfever sufferers, as watering eyes can cause blurred vision whilst driving.
"For hayfever sufferers who are looking to travel during the birch pollen season, your best bet is to head towards the North and West, especially coastal areas and in areas with little woodland.
"Avoid the cities and inland areas with forests as research has shown that birch pollen from urban areas is typically more allergenic than that from rural areas.
"Birch pollen counts can be very high in cities as many birch trees are planted in parks and streets.
"Air pollution can also alter the allergens on the birch pollen making it more potent."
Opticrom is a single dose eye drop that can relieve the symptoms of hayfever.
For more information visit
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368