Britain’s 16m hay fever sufferers are preparing to face what is predicted to be one of the worst summers on record. According to the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, warmer weather and increased pollution will mean 2007 will be a summer to forget for many.

Hay fever is caused by an allergic overreaction to pollen (see graphic) and symptoms include streaming, itchy eyes, a runny nose and sneezing. Most sufferers are sensitive to grass pollen released in the summer months but other pollen can strike at other times of the year.

The best way to defend against the symptoms is to reduce your exposure to pollen. Keep windows closed at peak pollen release times, especially between 5pm and 7pm. Don’t mow the lawn and avoid polluted places. Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes, and smearing Vaseline in your nostrils can trap pollen before it’s inhaled.

Most people can be treated with over-the-counter medicine. Start with a nonsedating antihistamine tablet once a day in the morning, such as Clarityn or Zirtek. These relieve the symptoms within hours. Nasal steroid sprays such as Beconase or Flixonase can be used in combination with antihistamine tablets. These require regular use for a week or two before they work. For very itchy eyes, try antiinflammatory eyedrops called Opticrom.

If symptoms persist, your GP can prescribe oral steroids. Another treatment is a steroid injection. It is claimed this will protect you for a month. However, repeated use can increase the risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure and diabetes so this method is rarely recommended.

There is no cure for hay fever, but according to Andrew Menzies-Gow, a consultant respiratory physician, the best way to combat it is with immunotherapy. This builds up a person’s tolerance to pollen and comes in two forms. The first involves injecting small amounts of pollen over an extended period. The injections carry a small risk of severe allergic reaction, so are administered in specialist centres. The second form is a pill called Grazax. However, the treatment must start at least eight weeks before the grass pollen season and costs around £65 a month.

TAKING IT FURTHER

www.allergyuk.org Has guides to reducing allergens in your home

www.bsaci.org The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology’s website gives details of your nearest NHS allergy clinic

www.pollenuk.co.uk The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit’s site has a three-day forecast for levels of pollen

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