Changes To Your Diet Can Affect Your Allergies - Here's How

How To Tackle The Most Common Allergies Among Brits As Hay Fever Season Begins

ALLERGIES are the most common chronic disease in Britain, with millions of us suffering from reactions to pollen, dust and foods.

More than 40 per cent of adults suffer at least one allergy — and almost half have more, according to charity Allergy UK.

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Sun on Sunday Health gets in touch with allergy experts as hay fever season hitsCredit: Getty

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Professor Helen Bough said specialists are seeing more allergies among adults and children

As hay fever season hits, with pollen counts climbing from now until mid-summer, Sun on Sunday Health asks the experts to explain some of the most common allergies — and if you can really cure them.

Allergy specialist Professor Helen Brough said: "We are seeing more allergies among adults and children.

"Climate change and pollution are making pollen season worse for hay fever sufferers.

"Meanwhile, studies show the number of peanut and tree-nut allergies have tripled in past decades."

Allergies are most common in children and least common in pensioners.

Many people take over-the-counter anti-histamines which block symptom-causing chemicals released by your immune system.

Those with more severe allergies may carry a life-saving adrenaline shot to reverse the body's reaction, which can include difficulty breathing.

Prof Brough, founder of Children's Allergy Doctors, said: "Spending more time indoors, using detergents that break down the barrier of our skin, which is the entry point for allergens, and eating more ultra-processed foods that weaken our gut microbiome have contributed to a higher number of allergy sufferers."

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Here, the experts explain some of the big allergens . . . 

GRASS POLLEN GP-approved hay fever tips that really will stifle the sneezes

Dr Beverly Adams-Groom, a pollen expert for Clarityn, said: "All pollen types produce the same hay fever symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, nasal congestion and irritability, but grass pollen is by far the worst offender overall.

"There are around 150 grass species in the UK, about 12 of which affect hay fever sufferers most, from late April onwards.

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Beverly Adams-Groom explains only people with the gene for the allergy can get hay fever

Only people with the gene for the allergy can suffer from hay fever, which is why not everyone gets it.

"There is no cure so people have to manage their symptoms with medication or other treatments.

"Try not to bring pollen indoors. Take a shower when you get home and, if possible, ask others to change their clothes.

"Always wipe down pets with a damp cloth."

Top hay fever remedies you need now

As the sun starts to shine - here are some of the top allergy remedies that should make your time outside easier

1. Go to your pharmacist - they can help with the right treatment for you2. Wear sunglasses - this stops pollen getting in3. Take a shower - this stops pollen sticking to you4. Use a balm - this creates a pollen block5. Have a pollen-free space6. Enjoy coastal areas - try and stick to places that are less grassy

TREE POLLEN

The tree pollen season is already in full flow to the end of May, with birch pollen responsible for 25 per cent of our hay fever reactions.

Ash, plane and oak tree pollen also trigger reactions.

Dr Adams-Groom recommended: "Outside, try to wear a mask to reduce inhalation of pollen and wrap-around sunglasses to prevent it getting in the eyes.

"Look at pollen forecasts and ask your pharmacist about tablets, nasal sprays or barrier balms, many of which can be used in conjunction."

POLLEN FOOD SYNDROME

Professor Brough said: "If you ever get a scratchy or tingling feeling in your mouth and lips when you eat raw fruit, you may have pollen food syndrome, which is where food allergies meet hay fever.

"This affects people who also have a grass, tree or weed pollen allergy.

"They may also experience mild swelling and redness around the lips, throat, mouth or face."

Apples, peaches and other stone fruits, carrots and potatoes as well as some nuts trigger reactions.

She added: "Cooking fruits or vegetables and roasting nuts all help to manage this."

DUST MITE

Dust mite allergy is triggered by tiny house dust mites that live off human skin scales and lurk in carpets, curtains and bedding.

Signs of dust mite allergy are similar to hay fever and it can exacerbate asthma and eczema.

Prof Brough said: "It's a year-round problem for millions.

"While it cannot be cured, ensuring good ventilation, vacuuming carpets, washing bedding at least weekly and getting mite-proof mattress, pillow and duvet covers can help to keep it under control."

PEANUTS

Peanut allergy affects one in 50 children and one in 200 adults. It varies in severity, causing itching, hives, swelling or redness, stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea, runny or congested nose and coughing or difficulty breathing.

It is not usually outgrown, but scientific studies have found that gradual oral exposure to peanuts can lead to reduced sensitivity, which makes sufferers less likely to react to accidental peanut exposure.

Prof Brough explained: "This is done through giving increasing amounts of peanuts under specialist allergist supervision.

"The best way to prevent peanut allergy altogether is through exposing children to smooth peanut butter mixed with purees early, from six months, and often.

"Studies found an 81 per cent reduction in peanut allergy by age five if kids are given a heaped teaspoon of peanut butter three times a week."

EGGS

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Egg allergy is usually caused by proteins in the whiteCredit: Getty

"Like peanuts, there is strong evidence that introducing one egg a week to children from six months can prevent egg allergy," said Prof Brough.

It affects just one per cent of adults but two per cent — one in 50 — of children. It is usually caused by proteins in the white.

Symptoms can appear within seconds and include swelling, dizziness, stomach pain and breathing difficulties.

Children with egg allergies often experience eczema, hay fever, and asthma too, said Prof Brough.

She added: "There is no cure but egg allergy is often outgrown."

MILK

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Seven per cent of children under one are affected by cow's milk allergiesCredit: Getty

Cow's milk allergies affect seven per cent of children under one.

Symptoms include a rash, skin swelling, stomach ache, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Prof Brough says: "The likelihood of outgrowing this allergy depends on the person and severity of their reaction.

"There is no cure but again this allergy is often outgrown.

"Food allergies can be detected by doctors using a skin prick or blood test."

How To Protect Yourself Against Seasonal Allergies: Dr. Nina Radcliff

If your sinuses haven't already alerted you, spring allergy season is upon us — earlier and stronger than expected. Let's dive into spring allergies, symptoms and treatments.

A pollen allergy, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occurs when your immune system reacts to pollen from certain plants in your environment. Most people first develop symptoms in childhood or young adulthood, but it's not uncommon for someone to have seasonal allergies for the first time as an adult. Here are key points:

Pollen is released by trees, grasses, plants and weeds. When you breathe in, you're exposed to the pollen, and the longer it stays on your body, nose, eyes and sinuses, the more likely you're going to react and feel bad from the allergens.

Pollen allergies are more intense this year. This past winter was one of the warmest on record across the continental U.S. Fewer days below freezing meant plants started blooming earlier (and will be blooming longer). Warmth is one of the biggest drivers, and as a result, pollen season started earlier and is more intense with more pollen in the air.

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A pollen allergy causes coldlike symptoms, including a runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing and sinus pressure. This can add confusion for patients at this time of year, as they wonder whether that runny nose is because of a cold, flu or allergies.

Unlike a cold, a pollen allergy isn't caused by a virus, but rather it's when a person with seasonal pollen allergies comes into contact with a harmless outdoor or indoor allergen and their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat or foreign invader, mounting an offense against it by releasing chemicals such as histamine or leukotrienes, causing inflammation and the symptoms of hay fever.

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Understanding differences between cold, flu and allergies can have a huge impact on your recovery time. If you experience a runny nose with a clear discharge, coughing, watery eyes or sneezing, then allergies could be the culprit. However, if you're experiencing any type of fever, sore throat or runny nose with a yellowish discharge, that is most likely a cold or flu.

Pollen allergies can cause a sore throat due to postnasal drip, which is when discharge from your nose runs down the back of your throat. And allergens also can cause sinus headache even if you have no other allergy symptoms. This is caused by swelling in the sinuses that blocks the openings, preventing drainage and causing pressure to build up. In children and some adults, it also can cause a middle ear infection.

In some severe pollen allergy cases, you could experience a higher risk of asthma or sleeping issues, and prolonged rhinitis may lead to sinusitis.

If you're experiencing a runny or stuffy nose and a fever, you may have a sinus infection. Sinus infections are caused by bacteria or viruses, not by allergies.

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Managing spring pollen allergy season

Check local weather reports/apps that provide anticipated pollen counts in your area.

Talk to your health care provider before starting any new medications or treatments for hay fever. Non-drowsy antihistamines are available over the counter. When you first experience symptoms, talk with your pharmacist/physician about the most effective option for you.

Reduce exposure to triggers, including staying indoors during high pollen counts or wearing a mask.

Wear a hat/sunglasses outdoors to help block pollen from making contact with your hair/face/eyes.

Saline nasal rinses may help restore moisture to nasal passages, easing inflammation.

Keep your immune system strong with healthy eating, sleep and activity.

Change your air filters. Choose high-efficiency particulate air HEPA filters specially designed to trap pollen and dust, providing much needed relief from pollen inside.

Shower/change clothes when you get home. This helps prevent pollen transport.

Park your shoes at the door to help protect against tracking pollen in.

Close your windows when the pollen count is high. Opt for air conditioning.

Consider immunotherapy. These shots can help reduce symptoms by desensitizing your immune system to specific allergens over time.

Whether it's antihistamines, nasal sprays, prescription pills or over-the-counter medications, consider starting them sooner rather than later.

See your doctor if your symptoms become worse or there's no response to over-the-counter medications.

Dr. Nina Radcliff, of Galloway Township, is a physician anesthesiologist, television medical contributor and textbook author. Email questions for Dr. Nina to editor@pressofac.Com with "Dr. Nina" in the subject line. This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions and cannot substitute for advice from your medical professional.

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It's Not Your Imagination: Allergy Season Is More Severe And Lasting Longer

Spring often means new beginnings, but for allergy sufferers as of late, their springtime symptoms started well before the vernal equinox.

Paul Mauriello M.D., with Meritus Allergy & Asthma Specialists in Hagerstown said that, over his more than 37 years of counting pollen in Western Maryland, the spring allergy season seems to be shifting earlier. He has been finding pollen in February in recent years, he said.

Paul Mauriello M.D.

This year, in fact, he found a count of 23, which is considered medium level, on Feb. 12.

It mostly has to do with the temperature at which different vegetation buds, Mauriello said. Different families of trees bud at different temperatures. Then come grasses. Then come other plants.

And each one releases their own brand of pollen.

"If we have a cold spring, and it warms up all at once, then everything will bud all at once and we'll have pollen counts up into the thousands," he said. "But then, it's over in two weeks."

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The past few winters and springs have not been as cold, which leads to successive waves of vegetation budding from mid-winter into early summer, which means a prolonged pollen season.

"Most everybody can live through a horrible but short allergy season," Mauriello said. "But more people are going to be bothered for longer if that season is from February through June. And if they're sick for that long, it feels more severe."

However, it's the end of April into the beginning of May that Mauriello says his practice sees the most patients seeking relief.

"The moment to strike is now," he said. "The pollen count is coming up, and we're starting to see more people calling in for help."

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For those coming in with new allergy symptoms, a nasal steroid is most likely the remedy.

"Antihistamines are helpful, but they're not always as effective as steroids," he said.

In extreme cases, injection treatment might be in order if the allergies are prolonged and repeated year after year. Dr. Mauriello welcomes children, adolescents and adults to reach out for an appointment if they are struggling with allergies.

Do you want to know what the pollen count is? Dr. Mauriello checks the gauge daily at his office in Hagerstown. Updated counts can be found by going to www.Meritushealth.Com/allergies and scrolling to the bottom.

Meritus Allergy & Asthma Specialists treat adults, children and adolescents for more than just seasonal allergies. To learn more about the practice or to schedule an appointment, go to the website or call 301-790-1482.

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This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Allergy season is more severe and lasting longer

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