15 million people currently suffer from hay fever

An astonishing 15 million Britons are currently estimated to suffer from the pollen induced ailment, however the number of sufferers will double to 32 million by 2030, as more people move to cities.

The Hay Fever Health Report states that the rise will be fuelled by air pollution in urban areas which aggravates the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose and eyes triggered by pollen. The author of the report, Professor Jean Emberlin said, “As the urban population rises over the next 20 years, we can expect to see the number of hay fever sufferers double if not more.”

With an estimated influx of 9 million people expected to urban areas over the next 20 years, this could affect productivity as one in five sufferers takes time off work when their symptoms are at their worst says the report. Professor Emberlin said: “Hay fever is the type of thing that people don’t take seriously until they suffer with it. It has a lot of economic implications. Individuals have to go out to buy medication or take time off to see their doctor. People only work at roughly 65 per cent productivity and if they are really rough, they will take the day off.”

Unfortunately for youngsters who are the most affected, exam time falls when the pollen count is at its highest, between May and August.

According to the report, London and Birmingham will see the biggest rises with 45 per cent of the cities’ population affected, up from the current 25 per cent.

The new research commissioned by Kleenex looked at 2,031 sufferers. A link was discovered between the allergy and stress levels. Those sufferers experiencing stress were more likely to have severe symptoms. It also found that despite suffering from less severe symptoms for less time than women, men were more likely to moan.

Londoners complained that the effects were more severe with 67 per cent of Londoners describing it as ‘uncomfortable or unbearable’, while people from Scotland and those from the North East were more likely to describe the symptoms as ‘mild’.

Professor Emberlin, director of national pollen monitoring network Pollen UK said: “Although hay fever causes discomfort for many sufferers it is possible to lessen symptoms by being prepared”. She advised people to talk to their pharmacists about which type of anti-hay fever medication was best for them. She also warned that the allergic condition can start late in life and that her team has growing evidence of people developing hay fever in middle age.

Nina Massey