Pollen is already high in Bath — here's what we're seeing

We've had a run of patients this week with the same story: itchy eyes, constant sneezing, that foggy feeling. Tree pollen has arrived early in Bath this year — birch and ash are the main culprits right now — and it's catching people off guard.

Here's what we're recommending at the moment: start with a non-drowsy antihistamine like cetirizine or loratadine, taken daily (not just when symptoms hit). If your eyes are the worst part, add sodium cromoglicate eye drops — they're available over the counter and work well if you use them regularly.

For anyone whose symptoms aren't controlled by tablets alone, a steroid nasal spray like beclometasone is the next step. It takes a few days to kick in fully, so start it now rather than waiting for a bad day.

Grass pollen season starts in late May and runs through July — that's when it gets really busy. If you struggled last year, come in now and let's get you sorted before it peaks.