Leaves and blossom bursting into life may be seen by most of us as a welcome sign of spring, but for many hay fever sufferers it signals the start of months of misery.

Experts are warning that people in Bradford could be the worst affected this year as higher levels of pollen due to the mild winter are expected to lead to an early start to the hay fever season.

The British Allergy Foundation is advising sufferers to go to their doctor now so they can start taking their medication before the onset of symptoms.

At least 50,000 people in the Bradford area are hit by hay fever, with people aged 20 to 30 worst affected by sneezing, an itchy, blocked nose and red, sore eyes.

New treatments for the condition are coming out all the time, including once-a-day nasal sprays with hardly any taste or smell, and eye-drops that give symptom relief for an entire morning or afternoon, which are particularly useful for youngsters taking exams.

Dr Jean Emberlin, of the National Pollen Research Unit, said levels of airborne grass pollen had decreased but other allergens, including tree pollen, weed pollen and fungal spores had gone up, which could extend the season through to the autumn.

She added that the birch tree pollen season was already under way and would peak in Bradford in the next few weeks, affecting about a quarter of hay fever sufferers.

"Central northern England is predicted to be one of the worst regions for hay fever sufferers this year, and Bradford sits right within this area," she said.

"The best way to tackle hay fever is to be prepared by knowing when it's likely to occur and to take medication that suits your individual needs, particularly if you are taking exams this spring."

Other factors contributing to the increase in hay fever included modern diets, which could be lacking in nutrients to help prevent development of the allergy, and decreasing family size which made children more prone to hay fever.

Air pollution and cigarette smoke also irritate the nose and airways, increasing susceptibility to allergens and affecting the immune system, making people more prone to allergy.

On dry days, pollen levels tended to peak in the early evening which, combined with rush-hour traffic and the extra pollutants in the air, make people feel worse.

Muriel Stevens, of the foundation, advised sufferers to see their family doctor to see if new and better treatments could help.

"It's not enough to just get the same product year in and year out without seeing the doctor, as happens in the case of many sufferers - people's needs change," she said.

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