Hay fever rates have rocketed in the UK in the past decades, driven by environmental factors. Some scientists now believe junk food and processed food may be contributing, too. With the main season about to kick off, Jo Waters asks the allergy experts for our best line of defence
ONE IN FOUR PEOPLE in the UK is now estimated to suffer the misery of hay fever. Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing and fatigue are some the classic symptoms many of us have come to associate with the warmer weather.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is caused by the body making allergic antibodies in response to pollen produced by grass, weeds and trees or mould spores. The body then makes a chemical called histamine in the nose, airways or eyes, which causes inflammation and irritation.