The pollen count in Scotland and Northern Ireland has been forecast as ‘moderate’ by the Met Office. But for England it’s a different story – all areas have been predicted to experience either ‘high’ or ‘very high’ counts. High pollen counts can wreak havoc for hay fever sufferers, triggering symptoms. But in addition to hay fever, those with asthma can also be badly affected. Hay fever can make asthmatics breathless and increase the risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
But in addition to hay fever, those with asthma can also be badly affected by high pollen counts
LloydsPharmacy Pharmacists Matt Courtney-Smith and Pareena Patel have offered their tips for managing asthma symptoms during a pollen spike.
Check the pollen count
Pollen levels tend to be higher during the summer, so it is recommended that you check the pollen count before you head out, particularly if the weather is warm.
Pareena advises: “Try to not let the heat catch you off guard, there are many ways you can be ahead of the hot weather. During hay fever season, and the warmer months, your symptoms can increase if you have asthma. If you live with asthma, your airways may already be swollen and the inflammatory effects of a reaction to pollen can sometimes result in breathing difficulties.”
One thing is to try to check the pollen count before heading outside and if there is poor air quality or a high count, it may be best to stay indoors.
Prevention is better than cure
Taking preventative measures to avoid an asthma flare up is always recommended, especially if the pollen levels are high and you also experience hay fever.
Matt explains: “You can better manage your asthma symptoms by making sure you take your preventative medications, including your preventative inhaler, everyday as prescribed by your GP. It is also important to go for regular asthma reviews to ensure that you are using your inhalers correctly and taking medication in the right doses.”
Visit your local pharmacist
It can be beneficial to visit your local pharmacist to discuss the best ways to manage your asthma when hay fever symptoms are more severe.
Pareena suggests: “If you know that your asthma symptoms increase in the summer season or can be triggered by warm weather or hayfever, visit your local LloydsPharmacy and speak to your pharmacist who will be able to give advice on what the best treatment would be for you.
“Some people don’t know that heat and humidity also increase allergy symptoms. Many allergy triggers like pollen, dust and mould are more prevalent and can trigger your asthma symptoms.”
Avoid polluted areas
Matt advises: “Pollution can cause symptoms such as irritated airways, breathlessness and coughing. Long term, high pollution levels can even lead to lung conditions including asthma and lung cancer. You may be more at risk of pollution aggravating symptoms, if you have a long-term respiratory condition, and can help manage your symptoms by avoiding pollution hotspots and reducing or avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise.”
Try a hay fever treatment
There are a range of hay fever treatments on the market and you should speak to your local pharmacist about what treatment might work best for you.
Pareena says: “Seeking the right treatment for hay fever depends on your symptoms. There are a range of treatments that can target your specific symptoms. If you are plagued by nasal symptoms during hay fever season, try a nasal spray or decongestant tablets in the first instance.
“Most decongestants are anti-inflammatory, therefore they help to reduce blood vessel swelling the nasal passage and clear the airways. However not all decongestants are recommended for prolonged use, please speak to your pharmacist for advice.”
What if you can’t take medicines?
Pareena advises: “Drug free therapy is a way of helping to treat symptoms without taking medication. It involves using natural techniques or products to alleviate your symptoms. This approach used on its own or combined with medication can be a more sustainable way of helping to manage your condition.”
These products are particularly useful for those who are unable to take certain medications or who may prefer natural alternatives.
Pareena adds: “Due to the vast number of symptoms of allergies and hay fever, there is rarely one treatment which will work for everyone. However, drug free therapies and lifestyle changes such as avoiding the outdoors when the pollen count is high and avoiding freshly cut grass can support better management of the condition and alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms. LloydsPharmacy’s Allergy Reliever is a simple and effective way to manage allergies and it is completely drug-free.”
Claire Barnes, nutritional therapist at Bio-Kult, offers six lifestyle changes to help hay fever symptoms – including cutting out dairy.
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