Hay fever affects one in five people across the UK and when symptoms flare up, it can completely ruin a person’s day. If you suffer from hayfever, you can win the battle and find relief with some careful planning.
Supported by our experienced network of pharmacists, we’re going to give you some tips to prevent you from sneezing, itching so you can enjoy summer 2020 by being hay fever symptom-free.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to certain types of pollen. Not everyone has the same sensitivity to the different types of pollen. When these pollen particles come into contact with your cells that line your mouth, nose, eyes and throat, they irritate them and can cause an allergic reaction.
When is pollen season?
Hay fever is normally worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
For example;
Tree pollen: late March – mid-May
Grass pollen: mid-May – July
Weed pollen: late June – September
How to treat hay fever yourself.
There’s currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it. But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.
Here are 6 tips for managing hay fever:
- Start treatment early (using treatments up to two weeks before peak pollen times can help)
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to minimise pollen exposure to the eyes
- Try using a nasal allergen barrier balm that traps aeroallergens when applied around the nostrils (not to be used inside the nostrils) – some people find this can help
- Monitor pollen forecasts daily and stay indoors wherever possible when the count is high (generally on warmer, dry days). Rain washes pollen from the air so counts should be lower on cooler wet days
- On high pollen days, shower and wash your hair after arriving home and change your clothing
- Avoid drying washing on a clothes-line outside when pollen counts are high
If you are continuously suffering from hay fever, you can call your Imaan Healthcare pharmacist. They can then give you advice and suggest the best treatments for example antihistamine liquids, tablets, eye drops or nasal sprays. This can help with symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and a blocked nose.