More than half of Brits experience allergies and seasonal reaction started earlier this year, study finds
MORE than half of Brits experience allergies – with two in five of these saying their seasonal reactions started earlier than usual this year.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults found tree pollen, grass, and dust mites to be the most common components causing symptoms to flare up.
While more unusual causes of things like dry eyes and sneezing come from wearing jewellery, getting a tattoo – and even wine.
Of those who do experience seasonal allergies, the warmer months from May to August are when they are worst hit, and one in four (26 per cent) of these often experience severe reactions.
It emerged more than half (54 per cent) of those with allergies have learnt to live with their symptoms and haven’t explored ways they can help to keep them at bay.
But seven in 10 (71 per cent) have even self-diagnosed themselves with an allergy.
“That’s why it is so important for those who do live with allergies – especially those that flare up seasonally – to speak to a pharmacist or GP to know exactly what is causing them, so they can get the best possible support to mitigate the symptoms."
The research went on to reveal that itchiness, a runny nose, and watering eyes are the most severe and common impacts of seasonal allergies.
But worryingly, nearly one in four (23 per cent) of those who experience allergies say they can make them struggle for breath.