A new study has revealed that city traffic could be the biggest cause of “urban hayfever”.
Diesel cars are making millions of city dwellers’ lives a misery, it would seem. The pollen binds itself to cars’ exhaust residue, making it more likely to induce hayfever. The heavy diesel exhaust particles then carry the pollen residue deep into people’s airways.
With diesel vehicles currently totalling around 40% of new cars being sold, this is a massive problem for hayfever sufferers, who make up around 60% of the population according to the research carried out by Kleenex.
The revelation comes as nearly 9 in 10 people (86%) said they believed they were safer from the symptoms of hayfever in the city than in the countryside, where the condition was first coined as pollen binds itself to hay.
Consultant Allergy Expert, Dr. Adrian Morris explains:
“It used to be hay that pollen would bind itself to but what most people don’t know is that today it is the diesel exhaust residue on cars. With the amount of diesel cars constantly increasing, especially in cities, this is a massive problem for the UK’s many hayfever sufferers. It’s beneficial to release the pollen from your respiratory system so it’s essential that you’re prepared whenever you’re out and about by taking antihistamines, a pocket pack of tissues and a bottle of water with you at all times.”
DR. MORRIS' TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDING HAYFEVER HELL
 Let it out – gently blowing your nose will help eradicate the pollen grains and diesel residue from your respiratory system
Applying a little petroleum jelly to the lower nostrils will also help
Try and avoid both heavily congested traffic areas and parks
Don’t forget your tissues, antihistamines and water when you’re out and about
Facts About Hayfever:
1. Up to 60% of the UK population suffers from hayfever or has done in the past (estimated up to 36 million Britons)
2. It is estimated that one in three children suffer from hayfever in the UK. The number of children who suffer from hayfever has trebled in the past three decades and a study from the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (commissioned by Benadryl) showed a correlation between high pollen counts and poor concentration levels
3. Teenagers and those aged 16-24 are the worse affected (as much as 75%) compared to the least affected over 55s (49%)
4. Explained by allergy expert, Dr Adrian Morris - the allergic reaction to pollen causes the eyes to stream and nose to run as it’s the body’s way to extract the ‘irritant’ from the system. By continually sniffing, the pollen is drawn further into the nasal passage where the body continues to react, which is why it’s better to blow your nose and remove the irritant
5. Climate change could bring year-round misery for hayfever sufferers allergic to pollen. The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU) has confirmed that pollen is in the air months before the hayfever season usually starts
6. Due to record temperatures, trees and flowers are starting to bloom sooner. Allergy UK advised that due to milder winters and the earlier spring season, they are seeing an increase in people suffering from hayfever all year round
7. Increased pollution is also a factor which has contributed to the rise of hayfever sufferers with those living in urban areas most affected
9. Hayfever can not only result in the usual symptoms of runny noses, watery eyes and itchy throat but in some cases asthma attacks can be triggered by pollen in susceptible individuals
10. Sneezing fits can mean a driver loses concentration and vision for up to half a mile. Up to three million motorists put themselves and other road users at risk by driving whilst taking over-the-counter remedies – some of which have a worse effect on a person’s driving than being over the alcohol limit, causing drowsiness and affecting the driver’s concentration (Road Safety Scotland)
11. Hayfever can affect the sufferer’s sleep pattern which can affect their concentration at work or school
12. A study by Education for Health showed that those with hayfever were about 40% more likely to drop a grade between their mock exams and summer GCSEs than non-sufferers. Students who took sedating hayfever medication were 70% more likely to drop a grade than those without hayfever
Babies and HayFever
Dr. Adrian Morris from Kleenex says:
“Babies don't tend to get hay fever. In fact babies rarely ever have any pollen sensitivity. Pollen allergies only start about 10 years of age and peak in the late teens!”
Can hayfever occur in young babies?
- Allergies to pollen and hay fever is exceptionally rare in babies. But Allergic rhinitis to dust mites and pets is more common
Are there any medications considered suitable for babies with hayfever under 18 months?
- oral cetirizine, loratidine and desloratidine can be used in children from age 2 years
What are the hayfever symptons to look out for in babies who can't speak yet?
- They may be allergic to House dust mites, cat and dogs and will have irritated red runny noses and eyes with congestion.
I think my baby has hayfever - can it be dangerous in babies?
- Rhinitis in babies is not dangerous, it will block the nose and make feeding and sleeping difficult.
What other compliactions can hayfever go on to cause in babies- could it cause asthma?
- Very often allergic rhinitis and asthma occur together and uncontrolled rhinitis will make asthma difficult to control, so nasal treatment is essential.
What can I do to minimise the effects of hayfever on my baby?
- Sodium cromoglycate eye and nose drops are the safest product available being derived from a middle eastern herb called Khella. Otherwise the antihistamines may be used.
May 2008
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