A recent article in the Guardian says that between 10% - 25% of adults are allergic to pollen and this allergy (also referred to as ‘hay fever’) can provide a lot of discomfort for sufferers. If you are one of the hay fever sufferers, we have put together some tips for how to deal with it.
What is Hay Fever?
According to Allergy UK, hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees and weeds that happens at certain times of the year (early spring and summer seasons), affecting both adults and children. It is also known as seasonal rhinitis, as it shares symptoms with allergic rhinitis that occurs all year round.
Symptoms
The NHS gives a list of hay fever symptoms that can indicate that you may have hay fever:
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Itchy, red or watery eyes
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Sneezing and coughing
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Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
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A runny or blocked nose
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Pain around your temples and forehead
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Loss of smell
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Headache
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Feeling tired
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Earache
They also say that if you have asthma, you may also:
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Be short of breath
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Wheeze and cough
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Have a tight feeling in your chest
In which case, it is best to seek medical advice.
Ways to Deal with Hay Fever
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Avoid certain irritants – According to Healthline, hay fever symptoms can be made worse by particular irritants which include: air pollution, tobacco smoke, wood smoke, aerosol sprays, strong odours, wind, changes in humidity, irritating fumes and changes in temperature.
They explain that hay fever causes inflammation in the lining of your nose and so makes it more sensitive to some irritants in the air.
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Monitor pollen forecasts – The Guardian recommends to try and stay indoors on high pollen days and avoid outdoor activity between 10am and 4pm which is the peak time for pollen.
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Keep indoor air clean and dry – Healthline suggests keeping your windows closed to prevent pollen from coming in. The Guardian also recommends hay fever sufferers to consider buying a dehumidifier to keep the indoor air dry, as well as portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to keep your room pollen-free or alternatively, a vacuum cleaner with an in-built HEPA filter.
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Take care with your clothing – WebMD claims that pollen can stick to your hair and clothes and it might be a good idea to put your clothes in the wash when you get home and maybe even take a shower to rinse any allergens possibly left on your skin or in your hair. Although this might not have a great impact on your symptoms, as the pollen would have already worked its way through your nasal membranes to the cellular level, it still protects those around you that may also have allergies.
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Don’t dry your clothes outside - Allergy UK recommends to avoid drying your washing on a clothes-line outside when pollen counts are high.
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Take medication – The BBC also suggests taking a daily, non-sedating anti-histamine tablet. These are usually available from pharmacies without a prescription, according to Allergy UK.
Having hay fever can be a pain but try not to let it ruin your fun in the nice weather! Hopefully some of these tips will help you out get through summer with hay fever. If symptoms persist or they become worse, visit your GP who will be able to give you the appropriate medical treatment.
Disclaimer: The content of this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute the medical advice from a healthcare professional.