IT may feel too early to talk about hay fever, but it is actually the perfect time.
To avoid getting floored by symptoms as soon as the pollen count ticks up, prepare now.
Around 49 per cent of people suffer symptoms, according to Allergy UK, and the majority of those are allergic to grass pollen.
The grass pollen season starts from mid-May, with a first peak in early June, the says.
Some people may have already had due to tree pollen, which is typically around from late March to mid-May.
It’s recommended to start taking antihistamines early, because they can take up to a month to reach full effectiveness.
There are two main types, and a pharmacist can help you choose the best for you: Drowsy, which may be suitable for night-time sufferers, and non-drowsy, better for daytime use.
Check for own-brand antihistamines too, as these are cheaper than branded versions but work out just the same.
Meanwhile, here’s some of what readers asked me this week . . . 
I HAVE A WEE PROBLEM
Q: I AM a 48-year-old male and I am seeking advice regarding ongoing bladder issues.
Since my twenties, I have struggled with continence problems.
In my clubbing days, I would often find myself spending more time in the toilets than on the dancefloor, needing to urinate frequently after just a few drinks.
Although it was embarrassing back then, it has become more concerning as I’ve grown older.
Over the last few years, I have noticed that I am waking up two–four times a night to urinate.
On some occasions, I have even woken up to find I have wet myself, which is quite distressing.
I don’t drink a large amount of fluids overall – I rarely feel thirsty – although I do tend to drink during the day.
I also often feel very tired, which may be related to the frequent night-time awakenings.
I would like to increase my water intake to improve my overall , but I am worried that it would make the frequent urination even worse.
Additionally, when attending events like the , I have to be careful to use the toilet beforehand, as I often feel a sudden need to urinate once I stand up.
I am not currently taking any medications.
I would appreciate any advice, investigations or treatments that might help improve my symptoms.
A: Have you ever been to a doctor to have this investigated and treated?
Firstly it would be important to assess the reasons why you have this issue, including blood tests and likely an ultrasound scan to check the health of the kidneys and look for any obstructions in the urinary tract.
An overactive bladder, weak pelvic floor and an enlarged prostate gland are just some of the other potential causes of your symptoms.
Once some answers have been found, then it is likely that there would be some way of improving your symptoms.
In the meantime drinking cola could be exacerbating the problem for you, as both caffeinated and fizzy drinks can irritate the bladder, so switching out cola for water would be a great first step.
Starting to do pelvic floor exercises three times a day can improve bladder weakness in a matter of weeks.
Check out the Squeezy app for men, which can guide you with this.
PULSE TINGLING IS A REAL WORRY
Q: I AM a male currently experiencing weird symptoms which have been worrying me. I get pulse-like sensations running through my body, from my legs right up through my head.
To visualise it, it would look like a sonic pulse through water. I’m baffled, as I feel a bit uneasy on my feet when it happens.
I’m currently prescribed Sertraline (100mg) for and anxiety.
I’m 52 and in decent physical shape, 12st 7lb and 5ft 10in. Thank you.
A: While your symptom does sound quite unusual I have heard this description before.
These strange sensations of surges, which sometimes people also describe as “like electricity”;, can be a symptom of anxiety, certain neurological conditions or medication side effects – especially as a withdrawal symptom when SSRI antidepressants (such as Sertraline) are stopped or doses are missed.
Anxiety and chronic stress can also cause these types of symptoms.
Stress chemicals like adrenalin and cortisol can affect the nervous system and create unusual sensory experiences.
Most people find that these symptoms resolve when walking.
Hormonal changes can also affect the nervous system.
For any female readers with the same problem, I have heard patients describe these symptoms when going through the transition.
If none of this rings true for you –  and especially if the symptoms seem to be progressing – it is worth considering whether an underlying neurological condition could be the cause, and seeing your GP.
If you think that this may be the cause in your case it is worth exploring some techniques to calm the nervous system, such as box-breathing, meditation, gentle yoga or simply going for a walk.
Feeling unsteady on your feet may also indicate an inner ear problem or something affecting your balance system.
