IF you feel like you’ve recently developed hay fever symptoms – despite having never suffered from it before – you’re not alone.
More and more middle-aged people are starting to struggle with hay fever for the first time, thanks to air pollution, experts claim.
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According to Allergy UK, there’s been a significant rise in the numbers of people developing the condition in later life.
Experts predict that by 2030, more than 30 million Brits will have hay fever – that’s half of the entire population. A quarter of Brits are sufferers at the moment.
“It’s becoming increasingly typical to develop hay fever later in life,” Professor Adam Fox, a consultant allergist who was the clinical lead of Allergy at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital told the Telegraph.
More plagued by hay fever
He told the paper that hay fever has been becoming steadily worse every year for the past few years and although experts don’t know exactly why middle-aged people are developing it, it’s thought that pollution is largely to blame.
The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at Worcester University has said that increased traffic and poor air quality are causing pollen to become trapped at ground level – keeping it within easy breathing distance of hay fever sufferers.
Pollution and cleanliness are to blame
Being overly clean is also thought to be a factor, with Swiss scientists discovering that kids who grow up without pets are more likely to develop allergies.
You can’t inherit hay fever but some people are more genetically predisposed to have allergies than others.
The good news is that although you might develop hay fever in your 40s, you do generally grow out of it again.
Prof Fox said that people tend to stop suffering from it in their 60s and 70s.
You CAN grow out of it
“This is because your immunity begins to decline steadily with age and hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and our immune system reacts to this pollen.
“So as you get older, your immune system loses its ‘oompf’ so older hay fever sufferers tend to have an easier time of it, until their hay fever eases off altogether.”
Professor Fox isn’t the first expert to notice a boom in late on-set hay fever.
It’s already been suggested that one million people are set to get hay fever for the first time, thanks to climate change.
One million more people are buying hay fever remedies
An estimated 26 per cent of adults in the UK reported suffering from hay fever in 2017, according to research.
Last year that figure increased to 31 per cent with a million new people buying hay fever medicines and remedies for the first time.
The rise is believed to be due to changes in our climate
A “pollen bomb” has put more people at risk than ever, with experts saying that a concentration of lots of different types of pollen is triggering allergic reactions in people who have never suffered from hay fever before.
So, what can you do if you find your eyes suddenly itching?
6 ways to treat hay fever
There’s currently no cure for hay fever, but most people are able to relieve symptoms with treatment – to a certain extent.
1. Have more sex
Apparently, having sex can help to relieve symptoms of congestion.
Max Wiseberg, airborne allergen expert and founder of HayMax barrier balms, said: “Pollen levels are set to rise this week so people with hay fever should be prepared to prevent the onset of unpleasant symptoms.
“There is also research which suggests that sex could help with the symptoms, so that may be something to consider although there may be some practical issues around timing and locations.
“However there is probably not a more pleasant way to deal with the symptoms of hay fever.”
The only downside is that the effects are thought to only effect guys who ejaculate – not women.
2. Avoid pollen
The most effective way to control hay fever is to avoid exposure to pollen.
Allergy UK say the best way to do this is to keep windows and doors closed when inside – especially early in the morning and evening when the pollen count is highest.
They also advise avoiding peak pollen times and wearing wraparound sunglasses and a hat to prevent pollen getting onto the face and in the eyes.
You should also avoid drying clothes on an outdoor washing line and shower when you get indoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
3. Antihistamines
Antihistamines treat hay fever by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it’s under attack from an allergen. This stops the symptoms of the allergic reaction.
Antihistamines are usually effective at treating itching, sneezing and watery eyes, but they may not help with clearing a blocked nose.
They’re available in tablet form and also as nasal sprays and eye drops.
4. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids (steroids) are used to treat hay fever because they have an anti-inflammatory effect.
When pollen triggers your allergic reaction, the inside of your nose becomes inflamed.
Corticosteroids can reduce the inflammation and prevent the symptoms of hay fever.
5. Natural remedies
Many people are turning towards natural remedies rather than conventional medicine to alleviate symptoms.
Some try inhaling steam to clear congestion while others suggest drinking nettle tea – an anti-inflammatory.
6. Immunotherapy
For those with persistent hay fever symptoms, a GP may refer you for immunotherapy treatment.
This involves gradually introducing you to small amounts of the allergen, such as pollen, and monitoring your allergic reaction in a controlled environment.
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