14 April 2008
Spring has sprung, bringing with it allergy problems for many people across Sutton, Merton and Surrey. Around one in three people nationally suffer from some type of allergy and 20% have problems with nasal allergies, including hayfever. For people who do reach for those hankies, it can be miserable time.
In an effort to help people who suffer from hayfever and other pollen-related allergies, a leading allergy expert at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is giving residents of Sutton, Merton and Surrey advice on how they can take simple steps to reduce allergy and hay fever symptoms. Dr Amolak Bansal, an immunologist and allergist based at St Helier Hospital, said most problems tend to arise between April and September.
"This is when the warm weather sets in and when levels of several types of pollen increase", he said. "However there is a range of treatments that are available from pharmacists to help reduce the effect of pollen. These include tablets, liquid, inhalers, nasal sprays and eye drops. There are also several natural and herbal remedies which you can buy over the counter at chemists and supermarkets. These can be helpful for those unhappy with taking drugs and wanting a natural remedy."
Dr Bansal added asthma sufferers with hayfever and pollen sensitivity must take extra care and make sure any advice from their doctor or nurse is followed. "Asthma sufferers should monitor their condition and closely liaise with their doctor, "he said. "Ask them to produce a plan for you so that you can control your symptoms by adjusting your asthma medication. If you are in any doubt, please call your GP for advice."
The Pollen Count is a broad count of all types of pollen in the air. These include grass, trees and weeds. The measures you can take to avoid hay fever and allergy problems include the following:
- Keep an eye on the TV news or newspapers to find out how high the pollen count is. You can also find it online;
- Try to stay indoors when the pollen counts are very high;
- Ensure windows and doors are closed when pollen counts are high;
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses when you are out in the open to stop pollen getting in your eyes;
- Dry off any wet washing indoors - so that pollen does not stick to your clothes;
- Avoid cutting grass;
- Smearing a small amount of Vaseline inside of the nose can in some people reduce pollen induced nasal symptoms;
- Regularly splash your eyes with cool water - this will help soothe and cool your eyes.
The allergy team at Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust have seen 1,500 new patients over the past year. The team is made up of three consultants and two nurses. The most common complaints are Nasal, Urticaria (nettle rash) and acute allergic reactions (for example, nuts and fish).
