Curbing the Curse of the Pollen Season

Here our Allergy Lead GP Dr Vicky Carre explains why the pollen count is so high this year and how to handle it.

The UK has had more hours of sunshine this Spring than we had for the entirety of Summer 2024. Whilst most people have relished the long-awaited sun, these conditions have not been welcomed by hay fever sufferers.

Over the last month or so, the pollen count has been very high with levels reaching greater magnitude than expected and far earlier in the year. Warm and dry conditions have triggered a "pollen bomb", releasing massive amounts of tree pollen, particularly from birch, into the air.

But pollen is no longer the only problem. Climate change, air pollution, and increasing thunderstorms are intensifying hay fever symptoms. Rising temperatures and shifting seasonal cycles are causing plants to pollinate earlier and for longer. Pollen is made more potent by pollution and storms. During a storm, pollen grains become broken up into tiny fragments that disperse more widely and, when inhaled, can travel more deeply into our airways.  Air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone not only irritate the airways directly but also change the structure of pollen, allowing it to cause more severe reactions. Hence urban areas with poor air quality can be especially challenging for people with hay fever.

We've certainly seen a rise in people coming into the surgery over the last few weeks with challenging symptoms. So, what can you do to protect yourself if you suffer from hay fever?

Firstly, protect yourself from pollen as much as possible. Check the pollen forecast daily, wear sunglasses and a mask when outdoors on high pollen days, and shower and change your clothes after being outside.

Secondly, make sure you're using medication in the best way. I always advise my patients about the "triple approach", which means regular use of tablets, nasal spray, and eye drops. If over-the-counter preparations are not working, then see your GP as stronger versions of all of these preparations are available on prescription.

Some patients ask about Kenalog injections. Kenalog is a heavy-duty steroid that was an old-fashioned strategy for severe hay fever, but not something used nowadays due to concerns about potentially severe adverse effects. More patients are asking for it again as apparently an influencer on social media (not medically-trained) endorsed it – but no!

Thirdly, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is going to be the way forward for management of all different types of allergies. It is a desensitisation treatment that works by introducing a small amount of the allergen to your system. Over time, the immune system learns to stop overreacting, leading to lasting remission and potential cure from the allergy.

Grazax is a form of SLIT for pollen-induced hay fever. Ideally started four months before the pollen season to allow it to kick in in time, it needs to be used for three years for maximal effect, taking a tablet daily. Too late for this season, but if you are suffering badly with hay fever, it may be worthwhile seeing me in Allergy Clinic later this year to discuss if this treatment might be right for you, ready for 2026.

If you're suffering from an with allergies and would like support give our Allergy Clinic a call on 01481 237757.