WITH one in four people in the UK suffering from an allergy at some point in their lives, NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging people to take action to make sure that allergies don’t ruin their summer.

Asthma, hay fever and eczema are on the rise and are reported to have trebled in the last 20 years and up to half of those affected are children.

Hay fever is the most common allergy and can make everyday life tough affecting social plans, and emotional wellbeing.

Dr Jonathan Wells, chairman and clinical lead for Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG, said: “Summer can be a difficult time for those suffering from allergies but there are many over-the-counter remedies that your local pharmacy can offer to help ease the symptoms and help you get through the summer months.

“Local pharmacists are fully trained health professionals who can offer advice on many over the counter medicines, such as antihistamines. They may also recommend other remedies that can help to relieve a blocked nose, which is often caused by hay fever, a dust allergy or a pet allergy.”

To find your nearest pharmacy, visit isaandeforme.com.