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According to BBC News,

Hay fever sufferers must now put up with symptoms for up to two weeks longer than they would have done in the 1990s, according to a major review by 65 scientists from around the world. The report indicates that climate change has “prolonged the pollen season,” impacting millions of individuals who experience allergic reactions to pollen.

The findings, published in the journal Lancet Public Health, reveal that the flowering season of certain plants, including birch, alder, and olive trees, has started one to two weeks earlier between 2015 and 2024 compared with 1991 to 2000. Professor Joacim Rocklov from the University of Heidelberg, one of the authors of the paper, emphasized the need for further research to determine whether climate change is also increasing the amount of pollen circulating and making hay fever symptoms more severe.

The warm weather seen in the UK over the last two years means conditions have been ideal for birch tree pollen, a major hay fever trigger. This phenomenon has led to a significant increase in pollen counts, often referred to as a “pollen bomb.” Any extension of the pollen season could have an impact on millions of people across the UK, as it can mean missed days at work, poor sleep, and, for some teenagers and young people, active hay fever symptoms can mean they drop an academic grade in their exams.

Experts warn that pollen can also trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory issues. Dr. Samantha Walker from Asthma and Lung UK noted that if people are allergic to pollen, it can inflame their airways and cause terrifying breathing conditions, which can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.

While there is no cure for hay fever, various treatments can alleviate symptoms. Allergy expert Professor Stephen Till recommends a “cocktail approach,” which means taking antihistamine tablets or drops that don’t tend to make you feel sleepy and are long-acting, a steroid nasal spray, and eye drops to effectively manage symptoms. Pharmacists also suggest practical measures to reduce pollen exposure, such as showering and changing clothes after being outdoors and using nasal balm or petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen.

For those whose symptoms remain severe, referral to a specialist may be necessary. Immunotherapy treatment might be available for the worst affected, which involves gradually exposing the body to pollen over time to get it used to the substance, so that it no longer overreacts. However, experts highlight that access to allergy services and knowledge among general practitioners remains inadequate for many patients.