…Researched and contributed by Larry John.
Pollen levels are set to soar as a result of recent mild weather, prompting The Met Office to issue a warning to hayfever sufferers in Wales.
The forecaster’s map shows a country-wide ‘very high’ pollen reading, causing misery for the one in five people who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Early tree bloom is the cause of the high pollen levels, which is a common cause of hay fever during spring, with the rise in global temperatures causing it to start earlier and last longer.
Impact of Climate Change
While climate change is thought to have less of an effect on the prevalence of grass pollen, it takes over as the biggest cause of hay fever throughout the summer months.
Symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, and headaches, along with sweating, loss of smell, and headaches.
Tips for Hayfever Sufferers
There are simple things that hayfever sufferers can do to tackle the problem.
Changing clothes as soon as one gets home from work or a day out can help, preventing any airborne pollen stuck to the fibres from causing prolonged flare-ups indoors.
Taking a shower helps rid hair and skin of any traces of pollen.
Hoovering carpets regularly is also advised, as is washing worn items of clothing.
To limit picking up new pollen particles, it’s best to try drying clothes inside rather than on an outside washing line.
But if clothes must be dried outside, it’s best not to hang them out at the start of the day or in the evening when the pollen count tends to be at its highest.
Commentary
Hayfever can be a distressing condition, and with rising pollen levels, it’s more important than ever for sufferers to take steps to protect themselves.
The impact of climate change on early tree bloom is a concerning development, and it’s important to take note of advice from the Met Office on managing the symptoms of hayfever.
While there is no cure for the condition, there are practical steps that people can take to reduce their exposure to pollen, including changing clothes, taking a shower, and limiting outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.
These simple tips can make a big difference to people who suffer from hayfever, helping them to manage their symptoms and enjoy the warmer months with greater ease.