Hay fever hell for allergy sufferers as pollen count soars

PA

It may be heaven for sun worshippers, but the sudden change in weather has become hell for hay fever sufferers as pollen counts are soaring.

The weeks of rain in Britain since spring have seen pollen-bearing grasses and weeds flourish but the current hot spell has seen an increase in the amount of pollen in the air, the Daily Mail reported.

Lindsey McManus from Allergy UK says wet weather keeps the pollen levels low.

'When it's warm weather, and it's a little bit breezy, (symptoms) are going to really kick in,' she said.

'Things like weeds and grasses and trees are all pollinated by the wind, and (the particles) are really small so winds carry them long distances.'

There is an estimated 16 million people in Britain who suffer from hay fever and the chaotic weather could see the hay fever season, which usually ends in July, last up to a month longer than usual.

NHS Direct reported a 20 per cent increase in calls from hay fever sufferers during the early summer months of this year, compared to 2011.

Health manager of the Met Office Patrick Sachon said: 'The unsettled weather this summer has led to a fluctuating pollen count but as expected we have seen some very high levels when the weather has been good,' he added.

Hot and sunny weather in August is looking unlikely and showers are predicted, which may be welcomed by Britain's hay fever sufferers.


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