Adam Morris: Hay fever a growing problem not to be sneezed at

Published on Wednesday 17 June 2009 10:13

THE onset of summer brings better weather, open windows and more hours of sunlight. And while most see this as a boost, for one quarter of the UK population, it brings back the misery of hay fever.

Experts last week warned that a projected rise in the number of sufferers will have serious ramifications for both the health service and the wider economy.

The study by Lloyds Pharmacy found that in 30 years' time, about 40 per cent of the population of the Lothians will suffer from the condition. This will lead to increased medical costs for NHS Lothian, and lead to more sick days for the area's workforce – as they struggle with the illness themselves and are required to take more days off to look after their children, who are statistically more susceptible.

Charities and campaigners are now calling for action, not just to improve the treatment of those who have hay fever, but also to work harder on prevention. Though Edinburgh is the Scottish capital for hay fever, the Lothians get off comparatively lightly when compared with other parts of the UK.

The further north you go the less prevalent it is because of the climate.

Being on or near the coast also reduces the number of sufferers, although east coast residents are more likely to be hit than those in the west because of lower rainfall.

The problem in Edinburgh is also exacerbated by pollution and smog.

The Lloyds report states: "hay fever imposes a huge socio-economic cost through time off work or education, demand for healthcare or purchase of medications and treatments.

"It also has detrimental effects on exam performance, careers and social life and can lead to a general decrease in quality of life."

Most people associate the condition with more minor symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a sore throat.

But with Lothian's population projected to be near the million mark by 2060 – by which point half the population could be sufferers – the small proportion who suffer more serious problems will make up quite a substantial number.

For some, hay fever can lead to asthma, which brings its own complications. Others are so debilitated by the condition during the summer months that even getting out of bed can be a struggle.

Most hay fever sufferers are irritated by grass pollen, which is at its worst between May and August. With global warming, this period will extend and the Lothians' lack of rainfall allows the pollen to flourish for longer.

Trees, weeds, nettles and oak are also responsible.

Other suspected factors that contribute to the UK's high number of sufferers include the use of antibiotics, pollution levels and diet.

Another popular theory is that children are more susceptible because they have been raised in a "sterile" environment, which does not allow them to develop a natural resistance to irritants.

Increased levels of pollution will also cause more problems, and global warming will allow the spread of new plants bringing more potent types of pollen.

The report states: "Predictions of climate change cannot be made with any certainty. However, current opinion is that changes will occur leading to a warmer climate.

"As summers become warmer and drier more photochemical smogs will occur . . . that will make symptoms worse."

And sufferers will be more likely to pass on the traits that make them susceptible to their children, driving the number ever higher.

Between 1960 and 2000 the recorded levels of hay fever – helped by heightened awareness and diagnosis – rose considerably, but this slowed to a rise of about 1 per cent a year thereafter.

Even so, with 16 million sufferers in the UK, this is a notable increase in the numbers suffering.

Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the country's National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, said: "These figures are a stark reminder of the effects climate change can have on our health.

"Hay fever not only has a tremendous impact on many aspects of life for the sufferer but also for the economy as a whole and it should be taken seriously."

There are several straightforward ways of minimising the impact of hay fever.

These include showering in the morning and evening to cleanse the body and hair of pollen.

Other tips issued by the NHS include carrying antihistamine tablets and nasal spray, keeping windows and doors in the home and car closed, wearing wrap-around sunglasses and keeping out of the way of pets during summer months.