The number of hayfever sufferers in the UK is set to more than double to 31.8 million by 2030. This rise is being linked to air pollution and the effects of climate change, as increases in environmental temperature can lead to more pollenbearing plants.

In a recent survey, almost a third of respondents reported that their symptoms have become more severe over recent years and now more than one in 10 stop going out altogether during peak pollen times.

The majority of hayfever sufferers seek symptom relief from pharmacies, with an average of 22 patients a week visiting pharmacies during a typical hayfever season, compared to 15.5 patients seeing their GP.

Some 85 per cent of sufferers admit that they haven't changed their treatment approach for three years or more, despite their symptoms reportedly becoming more severe. So there is clearly a need for pharmacy teams to engage customers and advise them on the most suitable treatment options for their symptoms.