Hay fever sufferers get warning as high pollen levels to hit UK
06.05.2023 - 15:29
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Hay fever sufferers are among those being warned ahead of high pollen counts rolling in over the coronation weekend.
The Met Office is warning that high pollen levels will hit the north west on Sunday, May 7, colliding with the hopes of many Greater Mancunians planning to get outside and enjoy coronation street parties and events. Many people have already started to experience hay fever symptoms - which include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and, in some more serious cases, difficulty breathing - with experts advising those who suffer to start taking medication early.
Tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May, affecting around 25 per cent of people according to the Met Office. Most people are allergic to grass pollen lasting from mid-May until July, and weed pollen covers the end of June to September.
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As the pollen season is upon us, the Manchester Evening News is reminding readers of some of the best hay fever advice we've ever had - all from Dr Susana Marinho, a Consultant Allergist and Clinical Lead of the Allergy Service at Wythenshawe Hospital.
Although there is no definitive reason why allergies occur, says Dr Marinho, there is a genetic factor that can influence how you react to the allergens you are exposed to, which then cause symptoms. “There is definitely a genetic predisposition and generally allergies will develop in people who already have family history. By that I mean direct relatives," she explains.
"So children of parents with allergies are more likely to have allergies themselves. But that's not enough. And there's quite a lot of research going on as to why allergies are increasing.
We now live in an age of