Climate change is being blamed for an earlier and longer pollen season this year.

For hayfever sufferers this can mean their symptoms start earlier and last for longer.

Although there are many hayfever treatments, for some symptoms remain uncontrolled.

It is these people who are being targeted by a new awareness campaign aimed at getting them to visit their GP before the hayfever season starts in full to discuss treatment options that can address the underlying causes.

Allergic rhinitis (hayfever-like symptoms) affects more than one in four of the adult population, impacting on their ability to function effectively at work and even get a good night's sleep.

So far this year Yorkshire and the Humber has seen 30 per cent more sunshine than the long-term average, and slightly higher temperatures.

Likewise, there has been an increase in spring temperatures throughout the UK, with last spring documented as the warmest since records began.

Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, which is the UK provider of pollen forecasts, has been investigating the link between temperature and pollen seasons.

He said: "Our research shows that climate change in the UK has had a notable impact on the incidence of hayfever. We have seen tree pollen appearing much earlier than usual due to warm weather in February.

"The Birch pollen season usually runs between March to mid May, then the main grass pollen starts in late May and lasts until early August. This year the Birch pollen season will be more severe than last year and the current long-term weather forecast also indicates that the grass pollen season could be more severe than usual."

Expert guidelines on allergic rhinitis state that hayfever sufferers who are unable to control their symptoms effectively with the conventional hayfever treatments can be considered for advanced therapy
known as immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy is an approach that treats the underlying cause of hayfever and therefore helps to modify the disease, even working to prevent allergic reactions.

Dr Philip Dore is a consultant immunologist and allergist based at Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust.

He says: "It is important for sufferers of hayfever to be diagnosed correctly and treatment started promptly. There are now many options available to control the symptoms and in some cases tackle the underlying causes. It is worthwhile for anyone who suffers with hayfever symptoms to discuss with their GP how best to manage their condition over the summer months. Where appropriate referral for further investigation and treatment may be organised."


Case Study


Joy Cain, 52, is from Hull. She is married with three children and works as a bookkeeper.

"I started with hayfever symptoms after moving here from the south of England in 1986. My symptoms were quite severe from the start, with constant sneezing, itchy eyes and nose and a rash if I came into contact with grass. It was also almost impossible to sleep as my nose was constantly blocked.

"I took antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops to combat my symptoms, but with little relief.

"I'm an outdoor person, but from April until September I would often have to stay indoors with all the windows and doors closed because of my hay fever.

"However, last year my doctor started me on an immunotherapy programme. Since then my symptoms have been much milder.

"I still sneeze and itch a little bit, but my life is virtually normal. I can now enjoy walking the dog or riding my horse in
summer without being in constant discomfort."

Immunotherapy involves being given doses of the pollen to which you are allergic and is often seen as a last resort for hayfever sufferers.