DOUBLE World Champion hurdler and 2005 Strictly star Colin Jackson had to abandon a potential cricket career because he suffered so badly with hay fever.
Jackson, who took gold in the 110m hurdles at the World Championships in 1993 and 1994, said he played cricket for his county as a teenager but had to quit because of unbearable hay fever symptoms.
He said: “Being in a field from May onward when you suffer from hay fever is bound to be a problem – but I was opening the bowling and batting at number five – and there was not enough time to get my itchy, streaming eyes under control.”
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen which is typically worst during the summer months when the pollen count is at its highest.
Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny or blocked nose, and asthma sufferers may experience shortness of breath and tightness in their chests.
The 51-year-old ex-Olympian experiences sleep problems due to his condition, unable to open the windows during summer nights and suffering from eyes “so itchy you want to dig them out, wash them and put them back in”.
ASDA's top tips on tackling hay fever
- Speak to your pharmacist – they can determine the right treatment for your personal symptoms so you can put an effective routine in place now before the pollen count rises
- Start a protection routine now – using eye drops, nasal sprays and hay fever tablets can be used ahead of time to reduce symptoms
- Around 80% of people with asthma are also affected by hay fever, which can aggravate asthma so keep the condition in check
- Wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes – an easy way to stay protected on the school run or commute
- Shower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash pollen off
What causes hay fever?
- Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.
- It is typically worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
- Hay fever will last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after one to two weeks.
Jackson decided to focus on athletics, which is later in the season and leaves him less exposed to high pollen levels while competing. He said: “It’s like having a cold – but a continuous cold that lasts for five months.”
A survey, carried out by Atomik Research for ASDA Pharmacy, found that of 18m hay fever sufferers in the UK more than half are forced inside during summer, with 54% unable to play outdoor sports and 46% struggling to do any gardening.
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ASDA Pharmacist Maq Din said: “There is currently no cure for hay fever and you can’t prevent it but you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.
“Staying cooped up inside is not a realistic way of living your life but there are a few steps you can take to keep yourself protected if you’re venturing outdoors.”
ASDA Pharmacy suggests a protection routine of eye drops, nasal sprays and hay fever tablets, along with wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes and showering off pollen after being outside.
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