The 'big sneeze' is back

The hay fever season has just started and rising pollen levels throughout the coming summer months will lead to misery for around 15 million people in the UK.

"I think this year the season will be moderate to severe in terms of pollen intensity," predicts hay fever expert Dr Jean Emberlin, director of PollenUK.

"There'll be bad days when people will suffer from our two main allergenic trees, birch and oak, particularly from birch which affects a quarter of sufferers, but I think it's unlikely to be a catastrophically bad year."

Pollen's effect - generally, the higher the pollen count, the stronger people's symptoms - is governed by the weather, she points out.

"Currently, there's a North-South climate divide, with the North much more unsettled and wet, so although the pollen season has started in the South, it'll probably be a couple of weeks before it begins in the North.

"Wet weather dampens down pollen and makes it difficult for it to enter the air."

If birch and oak pollen seasons collide, because one starts later than normal, pollen levels can soar, but Emberlin isn't expecting this combination of circumstances.

"There's often a small overlap between birch and oak.

"This year, the birch has started around three weeks later than normal but I think the oak will also be a little later," she says.

"So although that may cause added discomfort in the first 10 days of May when the birch pollen will still be around but past its peak, and oak pollen will be emerging, it shouldn't be too troubling."

She forecasts that high or very high birch pollen counts on warm, dry days with some wind could occur until early or mid May, then oak pollen levels could begin to rise, depending on region and weather, while the grass pollen season is likely to start in late May or the beginning of June.

Professor Roy Kennedy, a hay fever expert based at the University of Worcester, believes there's a gloomier scenario ahead for sufferers.

He predicts a sudden pollen surge in June caused by the combination of the longer winter and the potential for an early summer.

Although he expects England to fare worst, he says: "Scotland could see a condensed tree pollen season. Hay fever sufferers could be badly affected and need to be aware of this.

"The cold spring means a later start for pollen, with a pollen burst now in a condensed period, and the phenomenon of several pollens likely to peak at the same time. It means peak pollen levels will be early in the season, not later, as normal."

Emberlin predicts, in a report on behalf of Opticrom Hay Fever Eye Drops, that the number of hay fever sufferers in UK will rise by a third to 20 million sufferers by 2015, and will more than double to 31.8 million by 2030.

Britain already has one of the highest rates of hay fever in the world, currently 25% of the population, rising to 37% in teenagers.

"Climate change in the next few decades will have a notable impact on people's health, especially for hay fever sufferers," she says.

"In the future, hay fever hotspots will be concentrated around large urban areas, such as London and Birmingham, where up to 45% of residents in those areas are set to suffer from hay fever in the next two decades.

"This is the result of higher pollution and urban climates, which facilitate longer pollen seasons."

Check out key hay fever facts - including high-risk areas and remedies - so you can minimise your suffering this year.

Sneeziest cities A survey by Holland & Barrett has revealed the 10 'sneeziest' cities in the UK, identified by those who bought the most natural hay fever remedies from its stores, with Manchester coming top and Leicester coming last.

1: Manchester; 2: Croydon; 3: Newcastle; 4: Norwich; 5: York; 6: Sheffield; 7: Birmingham; 8: Liverpool; 9: Romford; 10: Leicester.

Pollen-heavy areas "Generally, the worst areas for those who suffer from birch pollen allergy are cities, where there can be many birch trees in parks, streets and gardens," explains Emberlin.

"Air pollution can both alter allergens on the birch pollen, making it more potent, and cause irritation to noses and throats, making it more difficult to clear allergens absorbed from the air."

Other risk areas for high birch pollen, she says, are inland where there is forest or woodland edges with birch, such as the New Forest, Central Weald and the Forest of Dean.

Areas in the far North and West, especially coastal areas and extensive agricultural areas with little woodland, generally experience lower pollen counts.

Typically, the grass pollen season lasts until late July or early August, and weeds and fungal spores can affect sufferers until early November.

:: The Met Office has a pollen calendar at www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/pollen-forecast Who gets hay fever and why?

Hay fever can develop at any age over about two years old, but typically starts in early adolescence or in early adulthood.

Research, included in Emberlin's report, indicates that certain risk factors make it more likely to occur in certain people - those born during the peak pollen seasons or just before and those whose family has a history of allergies.

Also, more boys have hay fever than girls until adolescence. After adolescence many boys tend to grow out of it, leaving slightly more female sufferers.

Other risk factors are a low number of childhood infections, so there's a higher chance of developing autoimmune diseases and hay fever, and regular exposure to cigarette smoke during early life.

:: Natural remedies Keep pollen at bay As well as warding off vampires and keeping ghouls at bay, garlic acts as a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and decongestant, which may help reduce catarrh. Up to four capsules can be taken daily with food to reduce hay fever symptoms.

:: Holland & Barrett Garlic Oil, £7.99 for 250 capsules, available from Holland & Barrett stores or online at www.hollandandbarrett.com Wide-awake remedy Care Allergy Defence is an antihistamine-free nasal spray which claims to remedy hay fever symptoms without causing drowsiness.

The powder spray reacts with the moisture within the nose to create an invisible protective gel barrier to help block allergens such as pollen from entering the nasal tract and reduce the likelihood of the body's defence system from releasing histamine.

As it is a natural inert cellulose powder and not absorbed by the body, Care Allergy Defence can be used by children as young as 18 months, as well as by pregnant and breastfeeding women.

:: Care Allergy Defence (200 sprays), £5.99, from Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's stores and independent pharmacies.

Homeopathic help Nelsons Pollenna contains homeopathic remedies to soothe the symptoms of hay fever and it won't cause drowsiness.

:: Nelsons Pollenna, from £5.10, from Boots, Holland & Barrett, selected Tesco and Lloyds pharmacies and independent health food stores and pharmacies. For more information, visit www.nelsonsnaturalworld.net :: Conventional treatments Ease eyes Itchy, irritated eyes which become red and sore are one of the most debilitating effects of hay fever.

Opticrom's new Hay Fever Eye Drops could be one answer as the active ingredient, sodium cromoglicate, aims to stop the body releasing chemicals in the eye which cause the symptoms of 'hay fever' eyes.

:: Opticrom Hay Fever Eye Drops 5ml, £4.70, from Boots stores and independent pharmacies and www.opticrom.co.uk Nose job Nasacort Allergy Nasal Spray requires just one dose a day and is a non-drowsy formulation.

It aims to act directly on nasal cells and it's formulated to thicken and stay where it is sprayed, lessening the likelihood of it running down the back of the throat.

The spray claims to relieve symptoms in 12-16 hours but should be used regularly to obtain effective relief.

:: Nasacort Allergy Nasal Spray, £5.06 for 30 sprays, available nationwide from pharmacies. For more information, visit www.nasacort.co.uk Don't be rash Phenergan can be used to treat a range of allergic conditions of the upper respiratory tract and skin, including hay fever, rashes or hives.

Its active ingredient is promethazine, an antihistamine which treats allergies by blocking the body's response to the chemical histamine, produced when the body is under attack from allergens (foreign substances).

:: Phenergan Elixir Sugar-free Oral Solution, £4.99 for 100ml; Phenergan 56 25mg 56 tablets, £7.99, and £5.29 for a packet of 56 10mg tablets, from Lloyds and other pharmacies.

Spray away Prevalin Allergy has a gel formulation which claims to defuse the build-up of pollen and supports clearance of it in the nasal passages while also creating a barrier that inhibits exposure.

This is a steroid- and antihistamine-free remedy, and should be spray once or twice into nostrils two to three times a day as soon as the symptoms appear.

:: Prevalin Allergy, from £9.99, for a month's supply, and from £9.99 for a two-month supply, for children aged over six years old, available nationwide from pharmacies.

Clear the air An air purifier could help ease irritation at home or in the office.

HoMedics HEPA Professional Air Purifiers, which have the Allergy UK seal of approval, have been shown in research to remove up to 99% of airborne irritants and allergens, including dust, pollen, pet allergens, mould and bacteria.

They claim a 'whisper-quiet' operation, making them suitable for bedrooms, and have three air cleaning levels.

:: HoMedics HEPA Professional Air Purifier, £99.99, from Argos, Amazon and Robert Dyas.

Tried & tested Stress can cause many problems such as muscle tension, stiffness and sleepless nights. Phoebe Jenner tests a kit which focuses on acupressure points to help calm and improve wellbeing.

What is it?

Acupressure, which has origins as an ancient Chinese healing art, is based on the principle that there are 365 key pressure points in the body.

It is claimed that when these points are pressed correctly, it will help release muscular tension, promote blood circulation and aid the body's natural healing process.

A Yantra Kit includes a belt, pillow and rings - three acupressure items designed to ease aches and pains, relieve stress and improve sleep.

The multi-purpose belt is suitable for most areas of the body, while the inflatable pillow is mainly for use on the neck, back and jawline.

Yantra rings, made of lacquered nickel-plated steel, are to provide relief for tired, stiff fingers.

What's it like On first sight, the Yantra Kit seems a little daunting, but it's actually extremely straightforward to use.

I preferred the Yantra belt because of its versatility. It can be used around the back or on the stomach, or split in two, by unzipping, for use on arms and legs.

It can even be wrapped around the head to ease headaches and tension.

The instructions suggest the items are used for about 20 minutes a day, and slight discomfort can be felt at first, so I followed the advice to wear a light cotton top to avoid any skin sensitivity.

When using the belt, I initially focused on my lower back area as I suffer aches and pains from hours spent sitting at a computer.

The belt features four straps, two at each end, which were handy as it meant I could tie the belt around my waist and use it while sitting up.

The acupressure contact points press into the skin causing a slightly painful sensation, which doesn't lessen.

I then moved the belt down lower until I was sitting on it, which again was uncomfortable but not unbearable.

As the belt has a zip, it can be divided in half to use on your limbs, and I found it very effective to use it on my calves to ease stiffness after a long walk.

The rings are small coils of wire which you roll up and down your finger going over the knuckle, and surprisingly, they did provide a stress-relieving effect.

This was beneficial when sitting at my desk and typing, however I did find my skin became slightly dry and irritated around the knuckle.

I'd advise regular use of handcream to stop them rubbing on the skin and to help them glide smoothly.

I wasn't keen on the Yantra pillow, which has an inflatable inner cushion so it can conform to any shape to provide treatment for the neck, jaw line, lower back of shoulders.

I found lying back on it wasn't comfortable and it pressed too much into the delicate skin on my neck.

Overall, I felt the belt and rings in the Yantra Kit did aid relaxation and over time I could become used to the sensation and derive more benefit from it. My verdict: 5/10.

:: Information: The Yantra Kit, £29.95, is available from Lifes2good. For more information, call 0845 399 0038 or visit www.lifes2good.co.uk