Warmer weather may wreak havoc with hay fever symptoms, with rising temperatures causing tree pollen levels to spike, new research suggests.
The first week of spring will see dry, sunny weather and daytime temperatures in the mid to late teens for the coming week, according to the Met Office.
Climate change may be leading to an extension of the grass and tree pollen season and causing it to start earlier.
Jin Zhang, global medical director at Kimberly-Clark UK, said:
"When temperatures rise, primary sources of pollutants tend to increase, making the air quality even more challenging for millions of hay fever sufferers."
A survey found people who suffer from hay fever believe pollution (64%), rising temperatures (52%) and extreme weather conditions (38%) are the biggest environmental factors impacting their allergies.
The new research from Kleenex surveyed 2,000 people in the UK with hay fever and found that over the past 12 months many have experienced their symptoms getting worse.
The survey found that on average, increased symptoms for allergy sufferers meant they lost two hours sleep a night and 33% of those surveyed said they avoid local parks and green spaces.
Amena Warner, head of clinical services at the charity Allergy UK, said:
"Living with allergies and maintaining a quality of life is not always easy and enjoying everyday activities can become a real struggle.
"With the realities that warmer weather brings, it is crucial that allergy sufferers be given the advice, support, and tools to manage their symptoms whilst staying active and healthy."
One way to improve the air quality in your home is to use an Allergy UK approved air purifier such as the WINIX Zero and Zero Pro.
Whereas outdoors you can protect yourself from pollen and other harmful airborne pollutants with the Airvida wearable air purifier from ible.
For more information on our range of Allergy UK approved air purifiers and the Airvida wearable air purifier click here
