Not everyone's enjoying the heat wave at the moment. If you suffer with hay fever, you'll know that the hot weather combined with a high pollen count can make the summer feel truly miserable, especially when your peers appear to be having a great time outside. Alfresco drinking is one of the perks of the season, but did you know certain types of alcohol can make your symptoms worse?

It might be worth asking for a gin and tonic instead of your usual pint if an itchy throat and runny nose are getting you down.

Is alcohol bad news for allergies?

Asthma UK conducted a survey in which 64 per cent of people with the condition said certain types of alcohol trigger their symptoms.

Actor, writer and presenter Stephen Fry finds champagne to be the worst offender for his asthma:

"I have to make sure that I avoid too much champagne because it triggers my asthma symptoms. Champagne can leave a lot of people feeling poorly the next day, but for me it is far more serious because it could trigger a potentially fatal asthma attack."

Hay fever and asthma similarities

There are some similarities between allergic asthma and hay fever, in that they are both triggered by an allergen (such as pollen). The same allergens that trigger hay fever can also cause asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma.

Are some alcoholic drinks better than others?

It's usually the substances found in alcoholic drinks rather than the alcohol itself that can trigger symptoms, says Asthma UK.

Many drinks (such as beer) contain histamine which is the same substance that's released in the body when you have an allergic reaction. So it could trigger asthma symptoms or make hay fever worse.

And sulphites are preservatives found in many alcohol drinks (like white wine) which can also exacerbate symptoms.

Drink, Food, Hand, Champagne, Fizz, pinterest

So if hay fever is getting you down and you fancy a drink, choosing one with fewer sulphites and histamines is your best bet.

White wines and cider tend to have high levels of sulphites, while red wine and some beers can have high levels of histamine. Clear spirits like gin and vodka are better options as they're very low in both substances.

Safety first

But remember that triggers often change. If you think a particular drink is making your symptoms worse, it's best to avoid it. Always keep your inhaler with you when you're drinking if you suffer from asthma. And it's well worth a visit to your local pharmacist to talk about over-the-counter hay fever options too.

From: Netdoctor