Number of pollens: British forecasts today report a high risk of hay fever symptoms – Met Office

Hay fever is a common disease caused by an allergy to different types of pollen, according to the NHS. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants containing proteins that can irritate the nose, throat and eyes. In the UK, about 20% of people affected by hay fever, pollen peaks could cause a lot of runny nose and tears in their eyes. Three UK regions are at risk of "high counting" pollen across the UK today, it was revealed.

Strathclyde, in western Scotland, is one of the three UK regions most at risk, according to the Met Office.

Patients with hay fever in northwestern and southeastern England can also expect to experience symptoms.

This is because they all plan to have a "high" pollen count today, while the Orkney and Shetland Islands will still have a "low" pollen count.

Pollen is expected to be "moderate" in the day in all other parts of the UK.

During this part of the year, the symptoms of hay fever patients are probably caused by tree pollen, according to the charity Allergy UK.

"Hay fever is a common allergic reaction that occurs at particular times of the year," said the charity.

"This is because the body makes allergic antibodies [IgE] to certain substances, such as pollen, mites and molds, called allergens.

"Grbad pollen is the most common allergen. [May to July]but tree [February to June] and weeds [June to September] pollen can also cause the allergic reaction we call hay fever. "

The most common symptoms of hay fever are: itchy eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose and headaches.

Some patients even develop facial pain, fatigue, ear pain and loss of sense of smell.

But the symptoms vary from one person to another and their severity depends on the amount of pollen in the air.

If you have hay fever, it is important to avoid drying clothes on an outdoor clothesline, especially when the number of pollen is high.

Putting Vaseline on the nostrils could help trap pollen and prevent symptoms, the NHS said.

Otherwise, wear wraparound sunglbades to prevent pollen from entering your eyes.

To avoid runny nose and itchy eyes, avoid cutting grbad or keeping fresh flowers indoors. Smoking or being surrounded by smoke can aggravate the symptoms of hay fever.

You should talk to a doctor if your hay fever symptoms can not be controlled by over-the-counter medications.