HOW TO COPE WITH HAY FEVER

With sneezing season already in full swing| and millions suffering worse than ever, we've got expert advice that's not to be sniffed at

- ANNA BAILEY

Spring has most definitely sprung and while for many it’s a time of joy, one in four of us are already battling the annual onslaught of hay fever symptoms – and it’s set to get worse.

This year, the Met Office issued its first hay fever alert earlier than usual thanks to the warmest February on record. The mild temperatures saw alder tree pollen released a week early, while birch trees flowered two weeks ahead of schedule.

Those early pollen bombs coupled with recent weather patterns have created a perfect storm for hay fever sufferers. The mix of sunshine and showers are prime conditions for flowering trees, which have bloomed four weeks early according to the National Trust, while the high winds have helped the pollen spread. Grass pollen is usually expected around mid-May, but even this was airborne a month earlier, while weed pollen season will last from late June to September.

Blame it on climate change, says Allergy UK. Rising temperatures mean allergens are hitting earlier and sticking around longer, so don’t be surprised if you’re sneezing as early as January next year.

Cases of hay fever have tripled over the past 30 years and now affect one in four UK adults (26%). In fact, the UK has the joint highest incidence of hay fever globally, sharing the top spot with Sweden.

It’s even worse for asthma sufferers. According to Allergy UK, uncontrolled hay fever is a significant trigger and in 2014, 15% of asthma deaths were linked to hay fever.

“Approximately 80% of people with asthma also suffer from hay fever so for these people, hay fever really is more than just a mild discomfort,” says Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK.