Despite the seemingly endless winter, warmer weather is on its way in the UK. However, with the rise in temperature comes a common and annoying health issue: hay fever.
While many associate this condition with summer, experts at Superdrug are encouraging people to get ahead of potential symptoms by taking a simple 19p pill now.
These pills aim to alleviate the frustrating symptoms of hay fever, such as watery eyes, headaches, and sneezing, especially as pollen season is set to commence in mid-March — potentially earlier than you might have thought.
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Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, is urging all allergy sufferers to stock up on hay fever tablets and start taking them immediately to prepare for the onset of symptoms.
These daily tablets can be purchased from Superdrug for £5.79, with 30 in a pack, making each tablet cost just 19p, reports Surrey Live.
Niamh explained: “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.”
While most associate hay fever symptoms with high pollen counts, Niamh has highlighted some unexpected factors that can make allergy symptoms worse.
Air quality
Poor air quality, often filled with pollutants like pollen, mould spores, dust and exhaust fumes, can trigger allergic reactions. When the air quality is low, these irritants become more concentrated, making it difficult for individuals to breathe comfortably.
This issue may be particularly challenging for those who live in cities due to higher levels of vehicle exhaust fumes and general pollution.
Pet dander
Pet dander, which consists of tiny flakes of skin shed by cats, dogs and other furry animals, is another common allergen. Inhalation of these microscopic particles can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.
These allergens can stick to furniture, bedding and clothing, making it hard for people to avoid exposure, even if they don’t have direct contact with the animal.
Climate change
Climate change also plays a role in worsening allergy symptoms. Warmer temperatures and shifting weather patterns can lead to longer growing seasons for pollen-producing plants, resulting in prolonged exposure to allergens like tree and grass pollen.
Climate change also leads to more frequent and intense storms, which can stir up allergens such as mould spores and dust, further aggravating allergy symptoms.