A “pollen bomb” over the United Kingdom is causing hay fever sufferers to have more severe symptoms than usual.
As temperatures climb, the Met Office has issued a pollen alert for most of England and Wales this week.
Grass species are currently releasing pollen into the air, following the release of tree pollen in the spring.
Is this summer more severe than normal for people who have itchy eyes and a runny nose?
Is this summer’s pollen season worse?
According to the Met Office, a warm but rainy May may have contributed to exceptionally aggressive pollen grains, although “the reason is not as easy as one might expect.”
Yolanda Clewlow, Met Office Relationship Manager for Health and Air Quality, stated on the Weather Snap podcast, “In terms of the number of pollen grains in the air, what we’re seeing isn’t particularly significant compared to prior years. However, this year’s pollen grains may be more potent due to the spring conditions we’ve seen.
“A warm and wet May, coupled with a somewhat warm spring, increases the likelihood that the pollen that has formed is especially strong, even if the quantities are not significantly different.”
The combination of rising temperatures and a light breeze to disperse the pollen gives the ideal conditions for a “pollen bomb.”
When is the season for hay fever?
There are three hay fever seasons:
Pollen from trees: late March to mid-May
Grass: from mid-May through July
End of June to September Grass pollen season has two peaks, one of which is currently occurring, and affects 95% of hay fever sufferers.
Ms. Clewlow stated, “The grass pollen season typically follows a fairly constant pattern, with two peaks, one in the first half of June and another in early July.
“This is because there are approximately 150 different species of grass, and they all bloom at different periods during the spring and summer. However, only a few of these grasses are allergic.”
It is believed that climate change may extend the grass and tree pollen season by causing it to begin earlier.
What is storm fever?
People with asthma and allergies such as hay fever were warned of “thunder fever” over the weekend when grass pollen season coincides with warm, dry weather.
As thunderstorms can stir up pollen grains and disseminate a huge amount of pollen into the atmosphere, they can increase hay fever symptoms.
When pollen comes into touch with water, it breaks down into smaller particles that are then discharged into the atmosphere. These minute particles can be inhaled, triggering an asthmatic response.
The majority of people with hay fever will have their typical symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes; nevertheless, hay fever can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and these weather circumstances can cause trouble breathing and chest constriction.
Ms. Clewlow stated that “pollen bomb” and “super pollen” had “no scientific basis,” but that there is continuing research into the impact of thundery weather on hay fever symptoms.
“What is being studied is a phenomenon known as thunderstorm asthma, which is not well understood globally. Specifically, it is being studied how, under very precise conditions, thunder and lightning may exacerbate the symptoms of persons with hay fever.
It’s too early to determine if this is due to airflows or lightning splitting pollen grains, but our health partners are conducting a study on this topic.
How can I manage my symptoms of hay fever?
Monday, allergy expert Dr. Sophie Farooque stated on ITV’s GMB that the treatment of hay fever depends on the severity of the symptoms.
She stated that taking an antihistamine will help many, but that chlorpheniramine should be avoided due to its “sedating” effect.
The author of Understanding Allergy, Dr. Farooque, also recommends wearing a mask outside and regularly utilizing a saline nasal rinse.
Additionally, the charity Allergy UK suggests nasal sprays to decrease a runny and itchy nose. To obtain the best advantage from these sprays, they must be utilised correctly.
What are the hay fever symptoms?
There are numerous symptoms of hay fever, and each individual feels them differently; even your pets might be sensitive to pollen, and their symptoms differ from ours.
Common symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes, mouth, and throat, while less common symptoms include headaches and hives.
If you have asthma, your symptoms may be more severe, and you may also have chest tightness and shortness of breath.
