While many assume hay fever is only a spring and summer issue, a top pharmacist is urging all allergy sufferers to take action now, ahead of pollen season starting in mid-March. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe actions, making day-to-day life miserable as pollen levels rise.
That’s according to Superdrug’s pharmacy superintendent, Niamh McMillan, who has outlined why it’s a good idea to get ahead of the game.
She said: “Hay fever can be far more than just a runny nose—it can cause debilitating headaches, facial pain, and can even impact sleep. The key to avoiding severe symptoms is to start taking medication early, before allergy symptoms begin. This helps to manage symptoms effectively and prevents symptoms from escalating.
“With the first phase of tree pollen being produced as early as mid-March, sufferers should start thinking about introducing allergy medication into their daily routine now, in order to limit the severity of symptoms when pollen starts to become airborne. Try Superdrug One-a-Day Hay fever & Allergy Relief tablets, £5.79, 19p per tablet, to help relieve hay fever symptoms.”
While hay fever symptoms are synonymous with high pollen counts, Niamh has outlined other surprising factors that can worsen allergy symptoms.
Factors that can make allergy symptoms worse
Air quality
Niamh said: “Poor air quality often contains pollutants such as pollen, mould spores, dust and exhaust fumes, which can all trigger allergic reactions. When air quality is low, these irritants become more concentrated, making it harder for individuals to breathe comfortably. Those living in cities may particularly find it difficult due to higher vehicle exhaust fumes and general pollution.”
Pet dander
Niamh said: “Pet dander, composed of tiny flakes of skin shed by cats, dogs and other furry animals, is a common trigger for allergy sufferers. When inhaled, these microscopic particles can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. These allergens can cling to furniture, bedding and clothing, making it challenging for individuals to avoid exposure, even if they don’t have direct contact with the animal themselves.”
Climate change
Niamh said: “Warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns can lead to longer growing seasons for pollen-producing plants, resulting in extended exposure to allergens such as tree and grass pollen for individuals. Climate change also contributes to more frequent and intense storms, which can disrupt allergens such as mould spores and dust, further aggravating allergy symptoms.”