Author: Dr Deborah Lee

by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy

Did you know the month of May is ‘National Asthma and Allergy Awareness’ month? As a junior doctor, I saw a child die of asthma and it’s something I have never forgotten. Asthma is a very serious medical condition. And yes – asthma is linked to hay fever.

Does the pollen count really get worse year on year?

Every year we say the pollen count is worse than ever? – Is it? Yes – it is. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), global warming is causing extreme weather – heat waves and droughts. Increasing ground ozone levels and higher levels of carbon dioxide, then result in further global warming. This vicious cycle means plants have a longer growing season – they produce pollen in large quantities, and for more days in the year.

Don’t underestimate the danger of pollen. One (2000) study from the Netherlands reported  a 5-10% increase in deaths on days when the pollen count was higher than average. These were deaths from heart attacks, pneumonia, chronic obstructive airways disease, emphysema, and bronchitis.

Pollen and hay fever – the link

Pollen is a major cause of allergic rhinitis – hay fever. Interestingly –  2020 was a good year for hay fever, probably because so many people spent much more time indoors!

Between 10-30% of the UK population suffer from hay fever, and 40% of children. Pollen comes from trees – oak, birch, sweet chestnut, and pine trees, and from grass, nettles, and weeds. The pollen count is usually appreciable from March/April, reaching a peak in June/July, and settling in September.

Hay fever, pollen, and asthma

80% of hay fever sufferers say hay fever triggers their asthma. In hay fever, the release of histamine causes many of the unpleasant hay fever symptoms, such as an itchy, runny nose and eyes, and sneezing. Histamine also plays a central role in the onset of an asthma attack.

How to prepare for the hay fever season

See your doctor in advance to discuss your hay fever.  Antihistamines, such as fexofenadine, help prevent the release of histamine. You need to take these regularly to get the best effect.  You may be given a steroid nasal spray, and/or eye drops. Ideally, you should start these medications 4-weeks before the hay fever season begins.

If you have asthma, make sure you continue using your preventer inhaler as directed, and carry the reliever inhaler with you at all times in case you need an extra puff. If you are needing to use your reliever inhaler more often, this is a sign of worsening asthma and you should see your GP. Your GP or practice nurse will check your inhaler technique.

Here are a few helpful tips –

• Stay indoors if it’s dry and windy. Keep windows and doors closed. Don’t do any gardening!
• Regularly hoover the house. Don’t’ smoke or allow smoking in your home, as cigarette smoke is very irritating for your airways.
• Wash your bedding frequently with hot water.
• Don’t drink orange juice or grapefruit juice if you are taking fexofenadine.
• Avoid alcohol, as this contains histamine and can worsen your symptoms.

Will wearing a face mask help hay fever?

In one 2020 study, nurses who wore standard surgical face masks had lower rates of hay fever.

The masks were thought to effectively filter out the majority of allergens, including pollens, that precipitate hay fever. Masks need to be kept clean and free of pollen, so they should be handled and stored carefully, and washed regularly.

Final thoughts

Think ahead this month and get control of your hay fever. Your COVID mask may just come in handy too! Don’t let the pollen count spoil your summer.

For more information

Allergy UK – Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) https://www.allergyuk.org/information-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/11-hay-fever-allergic-rhinitis