Hay fever sufferers across the North West region may experience extreme discomfort over the coming days.
The Met Office has warned that places like Greater Manchester will experience very high pollen counts from today until Sunday. The weather agency adds that it is the peak season for grass, nettle, dock, and plantain pollen while there is an increased risk for fungal spores.
Pollen is the name for tiny particle released by plants and trees as part of their reproductive cycle. It's commonly seen as a fine powder which is spread by insects and the wind.
Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link
Writing on Twitter, the Met Office said: "It is the peak season for grass pollen meaning that the pollen count is high to very high for much of the U.K"
People who suffer from hay fever are allergic to this pollen, so when they inhale the particles they can experience significant irritation and inflammation. It is believed that more than 10 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever which can include symptoms such as frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, as well as itchy eyes and throat.
However, not all hay fever sufferers are allergic to the same type of pollen. There are roughly 30 different types of pollen that can trigger a reaction in people with hayver, with grass pollen being the most common and prevalent in the summer month.
If you are suffering symptoms from hay fever, it is advised to treat the symptoms with medication to make daily life easier. The NHS advises putting baseline around your nostrils, showering and changing clothes after being outside, staying indoors when possible, and buying pollen filters for car air vents.
Antihistamines are also a common treatment for hay fever and can be bought in the form of dropts, tablets, or nasel sprays from a pharmacy. If you're hay fever is sever, your GP could prescribe steroid treatment or even immunotherapy in some rare cases.
Earlier this month the Met Office said More people will begin to suffer from hay fever as the tree pollen season ends and transitions into the grass pollen season.
Read next:
