A warning has gone out for those with hayfever and asthma that an intense season of pollen production may be ahead.
A predicted glut of pollen this season could spell health problems for those who react to it. Photo: 123rf
The New Zealand Asthma and Respiratory Foundation issued the warning, and said forecasts indicate conditions could be ideal for pollen production this spring and summer.
NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll said New Zealand has had warmer than average temperatures this winter, which could change how the growing season develops.
High pollen warning for spring, summer
It could change when plants started to grow, when they started to pollinate, and how the pollen blew about the country - based on the prevailing air flows, he said.
Noll said overseas research suggested warmer temperatures could lengthen the growing season and increase pollen levels.
That could negatively impact respiratory health, and those with pollen allergies.
Noll said there had been a number of climate drivers that had pushed temperatures to be warmer, one of which was the influence of climate change.
Pharmacist Kyley Kerse said for those who know their symptoms, prevention was the best way to combat hayfever.
At the first signs of symptoms, hayfever sufferers should start taking something preventative everyday - whether a tablet, spray or eye drops, she said.
To stop pollen entering the home, measures such as face washing after being outside on a windy day could make a big difference to symptoms later on in the evening, Kerse said.
She also said sheets that were hung outside caught pollen in them, and recommended putting them in the dryer for about half an hour.
Allergy NZ chief executive Mark Dixon recommended anyone who believed they were suffering hayfever symptoms visit their GP.