Young adults TWICE as likely to suffer hay fever than oldies – but where you live plays a big role too

YOUNG Brits are twice as likely to suffer from hay fever than people over 55, new research suggests.

While many have been basking in this week’s glorious sunshine, warm weather typically means a spike in the number of people suffering from hay fever.

A huge 48 per cent of those aged between 16 and 24 suffer through runny noses and itchy eyes on a seasonal basis, compared to just a quarter of the older age group.

And sales of allergy products in the UK have increased by six per cent between 2015 and 2016 with Brits spending £133.7 million to combat their allergy blues.

But it isn’t just age that has an impact on allergy suffers, where you live plays a big part too.

Scenes of rolling hills and wildflower meadows are the traditional nightmare for hay fever sufferers, but it seems that the pavements of London are also a common place to encounter the sniffles.

The new study from research analysts Mintel found Londoners were the most likely group to have experienced seasonal allergies in the past year.

Some 46 per cent of Londoners have experienced a seasonal allergy in the past year, compared to a national average of 39 per cent.

Those in need of respite from the misery of red eyes and a streaming nose should head to the North East, North West, South East or East Anglia where just 35 per cent of residents reported suffering from hay fever.

The most common symptoms reported by those with hay fever were a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and itchy or watery eyes.

Lucy Cornford, head of Mintel beauty and personal care, said: “Young adults are the most likely to have experienced an allergy in the last year, which may be due to first-time development or greater awareness of an existing allergy, in contrast to older adults who may have learned to avoid certain triggers.

“Climate change looks to be increasing instances of seasonal allergies in the UK, with warmer weather causing trees and grass to flower early, releasing more pollen and elongating the hay fever season.

“But, whilst it could be considered that those living in the countryside may be more likely to be affected, high levels of air pollution within cities - and London in particular - is only serving to exacerbate hay fever symptoms for city and town dwellers.”

But it is not just pollen that is causing allergy mayhem.

In the last year 17 per cent of Brits have suffered a reaction to dust mites and 14 per cent to detergents or household cleaning products.

And while Brits are well known for their love of animals, our four legged friends are causing issues.

Thirteen per cent of us are allergic to pets.

As well as being the most likely to suffer from hay fever, under-35s report a significantly higher level of non-food allergies than their older counterparts.

Miss Cornford said: “While they are the most likely to suffer from non-food allergies, young adults with allergies are more likely to seek online information than other age groups, but this may expose them to a confusing array of information, as well as lead to potential issues in regard to self-diagnosis and treatment..

“An app that asks about the symptoms suffered alongside tracking activity and food intake, as well as the ability to scan barcodes in order to log the ingredients of personal care or household care products used, could help sufferers to more accurately identify allergy triggers and seek relevant treatment.”

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