Hay fever sufferers have been hit with worse than usual symptoms this year.
The Met Office's relationship manager for health and air quality said the weather in spring has created a particular potent pollen. Yolanda Clewlow said: "A warm and wet May, coupled with a relatively warm spring, means there's a chance that the pollen that has developed is particularly potent."
The forecasters have issued a gloomy update as pollen levels are expected to stay high for the rest of the week. People affected by hay fever usually suffer with unpleasant problems such as sneezing fits and itchy eyes.
READ MORE: Met Office warns hay fever sufferers as grass pollen reaches peak levels
These symptoms are usually managed via a course of antihistamines. However, nutritional therapist Hannah Braye has revealed six other hay fever symptoms signs people should control before they get out of hand - as Mirror Online reports.
Becoming isolated
Symptoms can be so hard to manage that some people isolate themselves, Hannah explained. The expert said if you’ve started to miss work, school, or social events due to the symptoms, you should seek further help.
She added that hay fever has been linked to increased rates of absenteeism from work and school and poor cognitive performance.
Food allergies
It is important to take notice if you have developed food allergies, as not getting these under control could be dangerous. Hannah said: "Sometimes people who are allergic to pollen, may become allergic to certain foods. This is known as cross-reactivity, where the immune system gets confused and starts reacting to similar compounds.”
High pollution areas
Living in highly polluted areas can make symptoms significantly worse for allergy sufferers. The nutritional therapist said: "As if hay fever symptoms weren’t uncomfortable enough, researchers now believe that when pollen interacts with high levels of air pollution its allergic effect may be heightened. This means it takes lower levels of pollen in the air to cause symptoms."
Other illnesses
Those who suffer from other conditions, such as eczema or asthma, should also control their allergies, Hannah warned. She said: "These conditions share common genetic and environmental predisposing factors and certain immunologic features to hay fever, and often tend to run in families. The presence of one atopic condition increases the risk for developing others.
"If hay fever symptoms 'move down' into the lungs, after several years they can also develop into allergic asthma." The expert added that hay fever sufferers could also have gut dysbiosis - an imbalance of the gut microorganisms.
She said: "Recent research points to a central role of the gut microbiome in allergic disease, and it is hypothesised that dysbiosis may play a role in hay fever development/symptoms. Many factors can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the gut, for example, antibiotics, a period of poor diet, stress and environmental pollutants."
Always feeling tired
A tickly throat or runny nose can keep hay fever sufferers up at night. Hannah said: "Hay fever symptoms can interfere with sufferers’ sleep, even when going to bed early, leading to ongoing fatigue.” Not everyone experiences severe hay fever symptoms.
Spending lots of money
If you keep splashing out on allergy products - it may be time to take action. Hannah said: "Hay fever is linked with increased healthcare costs, which can be substantial if other health complications develop."
It’s time to take action if you’re struggling with any of these points. As hay fever relates to immune dysregulation, Hannah explains that dietary and lifestyle interventions to support the immune system may be of benefit.
Dr Anushka Patchava, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Vitality, explained that the key to managing hay fever symptoms is to avoid exposure to triggering allergens. Dr Patchava said: "When the pollen count is high for instance, people with hay fever can take steps such as shutting windows, avoiding buying fresh flowers, washing your clothes often to remove pollen, and cleaning your pets to remove any pollen stuck in their fur.
"If you suffer from asthma, it is advised that you take particular care during the warmer months, as pollen is known to worsen or even trigger asthma.”
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