IF you've noticed your eyes and nose are running more than usual today then you're probably not alone. Pollen levels have soared to "very high" in parts of the country, bringing misery to millions of hay fever sufferers. And the bad news is the worst is yet to come - as forecasters predict levels will continue to rise this week before peaking on Saturday. Experts warn that a combination of hot temperatures and torrential downpours is to blame for the pollen bomb, which could be life-threatening for those with asthma. Medics warn that high levels of pollen in the air can "inflame" the airways and spark a potentially fatal attack. Dr Andy Whittamore, GP and Clinical Lead at Asthma UK, previously told The Sun: "When pollen is in the air it can inflame people’s airways, triggering asthma symptoms. "Stormy weather can make it worse as it breaks the pollen into much smaller particles, which are then inhaled more deeply into the lungs. “If you have asthma and are already noticing more symptoms because of hay fever, such as coughing, a tight chest or breathlessness, make sure you keep your blue reliever inhaler with you at all times." Dr Whittamore advises taking hay fever medicines and using the preventer inhaler - usually brown - as prescribed. One million new sufferers Experts predict a million new people will develop an allergy to pollen this summer. An estimated 26 per cent of adults in the UK reported suffering from hay fever in 2017, according to research. Last year that figure increased to 31 per cent with a million new people buying hay fever medicines and remedies for the first time. The rise is believed to be due to changes in our climate as weather conditions become more extreme clearly defined seasons are blurred. Experts say a long winter followed by a short spring condensed the flowering season of trees and shrubs into a much shorter time period. They say this causes a so-called "pollen bomb" as plants burst into life at the same time. The concentration of many different types of pollen - which ordinarily would have occurred sequentially over a longer time - is thought to have triggered allergic reactions in people who had never suffered with hay fever before. This also causes more severe symptoms in people with long standing hay fever. How to deal with hay fever Specsavers clinical spokesperson, Dr Nigel Best says: "Hay fever sufferers who wear contact lenses may notice the vision through their lenses can appear smeary and eyes can generally feel uncomfortable. "However, there are some things contact lens wearers can try to help reduce the irritation. Use drops or ditch the contact lenses "Contact lens-friendly eye drops can help to calm down any itchiness and wearing prescription glasses (particularly wraparound sunglasses) can prevent pollen from getting into your eyes. "Those suffering with hay fever could also try daily disposable lenses during the summer months." Stay inside Dr Best also recommends: ‘While it’s no
Hay fever sufferers on red alert as pollen levels reach 'very high' today - and worst is yet to come
IF you've noticed your eyes and nose are running more than usual today then you're probably not alone. Pollen levels have soared to "very high" in parts of the country, bringing misery to millions of hay fever sufferers. And the bad news is the worst is yet to come - as forecasters predict levels will continue to rise this week before peaking on Saturday. Experts warn that a combination of hot temperatures and torrential downpours is to blame for the pollen bomb, which could be life-threatening for those with asthma. Medics warn that high levels of pollen in the air can "inflame" the airways and spark a potentially fatal attack. Dr Andy Whittamore, GP and Clinical Lead at Asthma UK, previously told The Sun: "When pollen is in the air it can inflame people’s airways, triggering asthma symptoms. "Stormy weather can make it worse as it breaks the pollen into much smaller particles, which are then inhaled more deeply into the lungs. “If you have asthma and are already noticing more symptoms because of hay fever, such as coughing, a tight chest or breathlessness, make sure you keep your blue reliever inhaler with you at all times." Dr Whittamore advises taking hay fever medicines and using the preventer inhaler - usually brown - as prescribed. One million new sufferers Experts predict a million new people will develop an allergy to pollen this summer. An estimated 26 per cent of adults in the UK reported suffering from hay fever in 2017, according to research. Last year that figure increased to 31 per cent with a million new people buying hay fever medicines and remedies for the first time. The rise is believed to be due to changes in our climate as weather conditions become more extreme clearly defined seasons are blurred. Experts say a long winter followed by a short spring condensed the flowering season of trees and shrubs into a much shorter time period. They say this causes a so-called "pollen bomb" as plants burst into life at the same time. The concentration of many different types of pollen - which ordinarily would have occurred sequentially over a longer time - is thought to have triggered allergic reactions in people who had never suffered with hay fever before. This also causes more severe symptoms in people with long standing hay fever. How to deal with hay fever Specsavers clinical spokesperson, Dr Nigel Best says: "Hay fever sufferers who wear contact lenses may notice the vision through their lenses can appear smeary and eyes can generally feel uncomfortable. "However, there are some things contact lens wearers can try to help reduce the irritation. Use drops or ditch the contact lenses "Contact lens-friendly eye drops can help to calm down any itchiness and wearing prescription glasses (particularly wraparound sunglasses) can prevent pollen from getting into your eyes. "Those suffering with hay fever could also try daily disposable lenses during the summer months." Stay inside Dr Best also recommends: ‘While it’s no
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