Half of us could have hay fever in the next 20 years

Half of all Brits could suffer from hay fever in the next 20 years, according to a new report out today.

Currently, around 15 million people are affected by the condition, but by 2030, this figure could double to over 30 million.

Hay fever occurs when the body's immune system over-reacts to pollen released by plants. Symptoms include blocked nose, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, itchy eyes, throat and mouth.

According to the Hay Fever Health Report, people living in the cities can expect to be hardest hit. It predicts the biggest rise in hay fever sufferers wil occur in cities such as London and Birmingham with 45 per cent of the population being affected compared with the current 25 per cent.

In contrast, people who live in coastal towns can expect to be better off, as the sea breeze lessens the effect of pollution. However, around 25 per cent could still experience symptoms.

Professor Jean Emberlin from the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at the University of Worcester who wrote the report said: "Urban areas tend to have more air pollution, which is important in several ways.

"Vehicle exhaust pollutants affect the repiratory tract, make the hay fever symptoms worse and enhance the allergic reaction.

"Pollutants such as nitrous oxides, also alter the allergens on birch pollen making them more potent."

She also added that people who suffered from higher levels of stress are more susceptible to allergies.

This year's hay fever season is expected to start in mid-April in the southern parts of the UK and towards the end of the month for people living in the north, later than usual due to the cold winter and spring. Around 25 per cent of hay fever sufferers experience typical hay fever symptoms triggered by birch pollen.

This article was published on Fri 9 April 2010