Hayfever hits Hard | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

The pine pollen season, the first and arguably the most uncomfortable sign that spring is in the air, has descended on the region.

The most obvious sign is the thin film of fine yellow dust which settles on the landscape - creating plenty of car-washing work for employees at large dealerships and yards, and an increase in tissue and medication sales.

A random check with four Bay pharmacies revealed three had seen an increase in demand for antihistamines and other hayfever medications - the fourth described the season so far as about average.

"Yes, it is definitely up," a spokeswoman for Unichem in Taradale said.

"You just have to look out to the hills behind the Mission - it is covered in pine forests," she said

A Hastings pharmacist said demand was up and it appeared the pollen season had arrived earlier than usual.

"Some people may not realise it is affecting them," the pharmacist said.

"It is the tail-end of the cold and flu season and they may think they have a bit of a head cold. You have to work through the symptoms with them."

Hawke's Bay Ear Nose and Throat specialist David Grayson said it was important for people affected by airborne pollens to seek medical advice if the symptoms had a marked effect on their quality of life.

"I have seen some people who have been left miserable by it - it is not a pleasant condition."

The levels of severity varied, and in some cases caused excessive Nasal congestion and inflammation.

"There can be a secondary effect on the sinuses - the complications of sinusitis and that can lead to more nasty things."

Pine pollen was not the only culprit at work between August and November, though.

It could cross-react with grass pollen and other plant pollens, affecting noses, eyes and in some cases skin.

"Get an allergy test," was Dr Grayson's advice to sufferers.

"See your GP and go through the symptoms."

A range of sprays and medications was available to target the particular strain.

Dr Grayson agreed there was irony in the fact that for many people in Hawke's Bay, in the path of the pollen clouds, the arrival of what should be a season of growing warmth and light turned into a season of gluggy, itchy misery.