9 ways to combat hay fever
Stay ahead of the sneezes this Summer
We all know someone who gets the ‘fever around this time of year – we’re all sufferers here in the HLN office.
But all is not lost! We’ve searched high and low for a few top tips to keep your eyes from itching and your nose from running all Summer long.
FIRST OFF, WHY DO WE GET HAY FEVER?
It’s estimated that 15 million people in the UK are affected by hay fever, with grass pollen being by far the biggest trigger. Pollen causes cells to release histamine, resulting in a runny, itchy nose, blocked sinuses, persistent sneezing, redness and watering of the eyes, and/or a sore, itchy throat.
3 TOP TIPS FOR COPING WITH HAY FEVER
1) Stay one step ahead
A bit of detective work will help keep you one step ahead of your pollen-shaped foe! Check prevailing winds and pollen counts and limit outdoor activity during the early morning hours, which is when pollen counts tend to peak.
2) Apply some pressure
The principles of ancient Chinese acupressure have been used for centuries to help treat the symptoms of allergy, including hay fever.
3) Treat yourself to some sweet stuff
Although it’s not a solution that works for everyone, many people believe that local honey has an antihistamine effect. The theory is that the pollen naturally present in it can have a desensitising effect – stopping your sniffles in their tracks!
6 HAY FEVER REMEDIES
Give hay fever eyes the heave-ho
Eye problems can be one of the most irritating symptoms of hay fever. When pollen comes into contact with your eyes, they can become inflamed, itchy and watery. This can obscure your vision and cause significant discomfort.
Measuring in at just under a tenner for 10ml, A.Vogel Eye Drops give your itchy eyes instant relief – and stop continuing effects of hay fever in their tracks. Helping to maintain your eyes’ natural lubrication with wonder ingredient Euphrasia, they’re also suitable for wearers of contact lenses.
Vogel Eye Drops
Apply some pressure with a Hay-Band
The Hay-Band works by applying pressure to the acupressure points on your arm. Acupressure is believed to increase the flow of natural energy through the stimulation of various pressure points and, in doing so, help unblock energy pathways to the nose and throat – making your hay fever symptoms much more manageable.
Soothe sore skin around your eyes
Dry, itchy skin around the eyes is a common side effect of hay fever. The constant tears typical of hay fever, coupled with frequent rubbing due to itchiness in the eyes, causes the surrounding skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed. Typical treatment for hay fever often focuses on the symptoms themselves, rather than the side-effects of these symptoms.
Developed to be an extremely gentle and light formula, suitable for the most sensitive, itchiest and driest skin around the eye, Hydrosil Dry Eye Gel is a natural, no-greasy, non-irritating gel that has been tested on allergy sufferers (with great success) and can be applied daily. For maximum relief, leave the gel in the fridge and apply when cool.
Nose running? Here’s how to catch it
There’s nothing worse than having a sniffy or a runny nose that just won’t stop, especially when you’re out and about. But don’t stress – we’ve got the nasal spray that’ll solve all of your sniffles!
Beconase Hay Fever Nasal Spray is an affordable, readily available nasal spray that you’ll be able to find at most chemists. Easy to use on the go, with results that speak for themselves, it’s an absolute must for your handbag if you’re a hay fever sufferer.
Beconase, Hayfever Relief for Adults Nasal Spray
Traditional remedies not working? Try a pollen barrier.
Pollen barriers are usually made of natural products, and act in a way that traps pollen rather than letting it fly into your eyes, nose, or mouth. The Hay Max Pollen Barrier is made of organic beeswax, vegetable, corn and sunflower oils, and contains no petrochemicals. 100% natural, it ensures you can get on with your day with confidence.
HayMax, Pollen Barrier Balm
Need something quick and easy? Go classic.
This solution is probably the simplest of all – take an antihistamine tablet once a day and forget all about hay fever. Our pick of the bunch? Benadryl. Available at most chemists, they pack and punch and leave most hay fever symptoms in the dust – which is just where we like them.
Perfect to keep in your day-to-day handbag and forget about once you have taken them!
Benadryl Allergy, One-A-Day 10mg Tablets (Cetirizine dihydrochoride)
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