Pollen count is based on the measurement of the number of grains in a cubic metre of the air. The higher the count, the greater chance that people suffering from hay fever will experience worse symptoms when they are outside. The Met Office have forecasted medium levels of pollen in the South and low levels of pollen in the North and Wales.
Pollen count is split into three types; trees, grass and weed. It is possible for you to be allergic to one or more of these types, although an allergy to grass pollen is the most common.
When the pollen count is high, you should be prepared to experience bad hay fever symptoms and you are advised to take medication to try and alleviate the symptoms.
While there is no cure for hay fever, treatments can help keep hay fever symptoms at bay.
Superdrug online doctors suggest starting on medicines that are used to treat symptoms as soon as they start but they can also be used as a preventative measure for when the pollen count is forecasted to be high.
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Pollen count today: Five treatments that may work for you if the count is high (Image: Getty)
While there is no cure for hay fever, treatments can help keep hay fever symptoms at bay (Image: Getty)
The online doctor recommends trying oral antihistamines.
These come in many different variations:
• Cetirizine (such as Benadryl, Piriteze or Zirtek)
• Loratadine (such as Clarityn or Roletra)
Both of these can be purchased over the counter. If your symptoms persist, your doctor may prescribe you stronger antihistamines including Fexodenadine (such as Telfast) or Desloratadine (such as Neoclarityn).
Eye drops are also advised when trying to keep hay fever symptoms at bay. According to chemist4u many medicated hay fever eye drops available over the counter contain an active ingredient called sodium cromoglicate.
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Sodium cromoglicate works by reducing inflammation, easing red, watery or itchy eyes when you have an allergy.
These eye drops may also be more commonly known as Catacrom, Opticrom or Optrex.
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There are stronger eye drops available but these are only available by prescription.
When the pollen count is high or very high, Superdrug online doctors recommend taking medicines aimed at preventing the symptoms like intranasal corticosteroids.
The higher the pollen count, the greater chance hay fever sufferers will experience worse symptoms (Image: Getty)
This can be done by looking at the pollen count for the upcoming week and starting medication if you know the pollen count is going to be high.
Common medications include Beconase, Nasobec, and Pollenase. Others include Nasofan, Pirinase and Nasacort.
For immediate relief of symptoms it is advised to use a decongestant. These can only be used for up to seven days so should not be used as a regular treatment of symptoms but they can provide instant relief if your’e suffering.
These include Ephedrine and Xylometazoline such as Otrivine or Sudafed.
A change in diet is also recommended to keep your allergy at bay.
Foods that you could incorporate into your diet include oily fish like sardines or mackerel. These are high in Omega-3, which has been found to reduce your risk of hay fever.
Some scientists have also said that garlic can help with hay fever symptoms as it is a natural source of antihistamine.
Also some people believe that honey can help hay fever symptoms as a result of a process called immunotherapy. During immunotherapy the individual is exposed to a minute amount of the substance they are allergic to.
Eating local honey is believed to contain pollen from plants in your area which are the plants likely causing your hay fever.
If the pollen count is high then you should try to avoid pollen as much as possible. Try not to rub your eyes and always take a shower when you return home as well as washing your clothes as soon as you can.
You can check the accurate pollen count here: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/pollen-forecast#?date=2020-05-20
Source: Daily Express
