Allergy sufferers find little relief in dry spell

Hot, dry weather in Hawke's Bay has sent allergy-prone people rushing to find relief.

Runny noses, itchy eyes, irritating skin conditions and seasonal asthma were all common complaints as the long sunny days continued.

Auckland allergist Vincent Crump, who runs a monthly clinic out of the Asthma Hawke's Bay rooms on Marine Parade in Napier, said he's been busy in recent months.

"This year in particular you could probably say that we might have a higher pollen count. But it's hard to be accurate because there is no proper gauge, the Metservice can only guesstimate," Dr Crump said.

"Certainly I have seen a lot of patients with seasonal asthma, a worsening of eczema and hayfever.

"The unlucky ones get all three."

New Zealand and its lush green outdoors has the perfect pollen-making weather with ryegrass and a weed called English plantain accounting for most allergies at this time of year. "The trees tend to pollinate earlier, so it's mostly just the grasses," Dr Crump said.

Allergies were no worse here than in Auckland, but they were slightly more prevalent. "I guess you could say with Hawke's Bay people being outdoors more, they are exposed to those allergens," Dr Crump said.

He also wrote a book called, Allergies - New Zealand's Growing Epidemic, which is available from bookstores.

To make an appointment at the Allergy Clinic, phone 09 376 6185 or visit allergyclinic.co.nz.