Britain has 16 million hay fever sufferers Britain's 16 million hay fever sufferers face a difficult year thanks to the combination of the cold snap (which causes more tree pollen to form) and a warm spring (which brings the pollen season forwards). We asked Dr Adrian Morris of the Surrey Allergy Clinic to assess the latest pills, potions and gadgets ...Holland & Barrett Quercetin with Vitamin C What is it? Quercetin is an antioxidant found in red onion and apple skins  -  small studies have found it helps reduce sneezing. It's said to work by inhibiting the production and release of histamine. Take two capsules daily. Expert view: There is not yet enough evidence to convince me of the benefits of quercetin or that vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, as is often claimed.Contains cetirizine, an antihistamine. will not cause drowsiness. Expert view: Cetirizine is safe, effective and has been used for years. It blocks the histamine receptors that trigger the allergic response and works in about an hour.

However, I normally recommend tablets, as with a liquid it's harder to get the exact dose. tel: 0844 567 9374 What is it? A battery-operated device the size of an iPod, with two probes you insert in your nostrils. It emits a red light which apparently slows down the immune reaction in the cells, preventing histamine release and reducing nasal inflammation. Use for four to five minutes, two to three times a day  -  causes a slight tingling sensation. A study found it reduced symptoms in 72 per cent of those tested. Expert view: I've not seen any evidence to prove this would suppress the immune system. £ What is it? Butterbur, which grows wild in the UK and looks a bit like rhubarb, contains petasin  -  a study published in the British Medical Journal found taking butterbur petasin four times daily had almost identical benefits to an antihistamine. It works by reducing the histamine and inflammation triggered by pollen. Don't try to make a home remedy; also unsuitable for pregnant women.

Expert view: This is the one herb that has good clinical studies to prove it is capable of tackling all the symptoms of hay fever.' Nasacort allergy nasal spray What is it? Previously prescription- only, this contains triamcinolone acetonide, a steroid that reduces inflammation and prevents the immune response. Expert view: This is really effective, for eye problems as well as nasal symptoms. Use regularly and you'll see an improvement after four or five days of continual use  -  it's worth the effort. crc mass air flow sensor cleaner prezzoMade of sunflower oil and beeswax and dabbed inside the nostrils to catch pollen particles before they trigger hay fever. ecoquest eagle 5000 air purifierExpert view: The principles behind this are good. honeywell - hepaclean 99.9 hepa air purifier

However, it won't stop pollen getting into the eyes, causing redness and itching. Sharp air purifier and humidifier What is it? This is an air purifier that filters out pollen and helps reduce static electricity so pollen and dust particles don't attach themselves to fabrics. Expert view: This would work well in a room, but as soon as you left it you'd be exposed to pollen; a good idea for a home office, for example, or a bedroom if you're staying in bed all day. Optrex allergy eye drops What is it? These are meant to be used at the very first sign of hay fever to prevent symptoms worsening. They contain an anti-inflammatory agent, sodium cromoglicate. Expert view: These stabilise the mast cells, which release histamine in the eye, causing redness and itching. They work very well if used regularly, but you do need to put them in about four times a day to get the benefits. £10.99 for one, Lloyds pharmacies What is it? This is a band worn around the elbow. It has a small plastic stud, which presses on an acupressure point linked in Chinese medicine to hay fever symptoms.

A small study found 69 per cent who used it found it as good as antihistamines. Expert view: About ten years ago there were some studies that suggested acupuncture could help with hay fever, but subsequent studies have not backed this up.'This spray cleaner is said to remove 90 per cent of allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, from hard surfaces. It contains benzalkonium chloride, an antiseptic often used in eye washes. It is r e commended by Allergy UK. Expert view: I think a damp cloth would be just as good and hay fever is not caused by bacteria, so the anti-bacterial element would be of no benefit.What’s The News: Three 16-year-old  teenage boys in Texas had heart attacks shortly after smoking a product called k2, or Spice, according to a study published this month in the journal Pediatrics. The report highlights a growing public health problem: the increased availability and use of synthetic cannabinoids, which when smoked mimic the effects of marijuana but typically can’t be detected in drug tests.

While the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency secured an emergency, one-year ban of five synthetic cannabinoids in March of this year, most of the hundreds of such chemicals remain basically legal, widely available, little understood, and potentially harmful. “Fake Pot” and Synthetic Cannabinoids: Serious as a Heart Attack: A Clear and Present Danger: Reference: Arshid Mir, MD, Adebisi Obafemi, MD, Amy Young, MD, Colin Kane, MD. Myocardial Infarction Associated With Use of the Synthetic Cannabinoid K2. Published online November 7, 2011. Image credit: U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Health & Medicine, Mind & Brain, Top Posts cannabinoids, drug regulations, drugs, heart attack, k2, marijuana, spice, synthetic cannabinoids, teensNews 23rd September 2016 Brand new Brewers catalogue - out now! Have you picked up your copy yet?! The new catalogue is available in branch and online for your convenience. Tell us about it If you’re a decorator with a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you, so get in touch with the news team: news@brewers.co.uk

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