Brace yourselves, Londoners – London’s pollen count is set to be high on Sunday (June 16), according to the Met Office. Itchy eyes, scratchy coughs and sneezing fits are sadly on the horizon.
Summer isn’t all fun and games for everyone, especially in London. Yes, it’s not just your imagination – hay fever really is worse in the capital, mainly due to our air being significantly more polluted than anywhere else in the country.
To get to the bottom of why hay fever seems so much worse in London, MyLondon spoke to an expert allergist. Dr Adrian Morris, principle allergist at the Surrey Allergy Clinic in London and Guildford, explained that the city’s high pollution levels exacerbate the symptoms of pollen allergies.
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Dr Morris revealed that pollution in London acts to “supercharge the pollen”, leading to stronger allergy responses in sufferers. This is particularly noticeable in the capital, “where there are a lot of parks with trees, and then pollution from car exhaust particulates, which mixes with the pollen and actually makes it more allergy-provoking.”
Dr Morris highlighted the stark contrast in hay fever symptoms experienced by Londoners compared to those in greener areas like Surrey, despite higher pollen counts in the countryside. He pinpointed traffic-heavy main roads in London as hotspots for aggravated hay fever due to pollution levels.
He also pointed to global warming as a significant factor worsening hay fever conditions, with longer and more intense pollen seasons and grasses producing more pollen than a decade ago. Dr Morris added that an increasing number of people are genetically predisposed to allergies.
According to Dr Morris, your genetic background and childhood exposure can determine whether you’re allergic to grass pollen, tree pollen, or both. With pollen allergies on the rise for the past 50 years, coupled with heightened pollution and extended pollen seasons, he described the situation as “a bad mix.”
To reduce hay fever symptoms, the doctor advises sufferers to anticipate their allergies. “The important thing is to be prepared,” he said, “so rather than taking antihistamines if you need to, then struggling on, start early in the season. If you’ve got a tree pollen allergy you might need to start antihistamines early, in February. If you’ve got a grass pollen allergy you really need to be taking them now.”
He mentioned that since antihistamines are “very safe to use long-term” and newer versions don’t cause the side-effect of drowsiness that many used to, anyone with hay fever should aim to take them regularly. “If you use them daily you’re going to get better control than if you use them twice a week,” said Dr Morris.
In a chat about the four main over-the-counter antihistamines – Fexofenadine, Cetirizine, Loratadine and Acrivastine – the doctor explained their effectiveness and potential side effects can vary among individuals. He noted: “They’re all very good. It’s sort of horses for courses in that you try one, see which one suits you better.”
Dr Morris added that some patients have reported an increase in appetite and consequent weight gain with certain antihistamines, whereas others haven’t. Furthermore, some folks experienced drowsiness post taking Cetirizine – in such instances, he recommends switching to Loratadine or Fexofenadine.
Dr Morris advised using a nasal spray as an additional safeguard against allergies, reinforcing the impact of the antihistamine and providing dual defence against pollen. When questioned about natural remedies like local honey consumption or herbal solutions, the doc clarified they are “all anecdotal so far,” lacking solid research backing.
He conceded though that some people still find these alternatives useful in alleviating symptoms.
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