10 tips to ease allergy symptoms in the hay fever season

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction that affects millions of people during the spring and summer.

It is caused by allergens such as pollen, dust, and animal dander, which trigger the body’s immune system to release histamine, leading to inflammation in the nose, throat, and eyes.

Symptoms of hay fever can include a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and a sore throat. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Hay fever can also lead to other complications such as sinusitis and asthma.

Whether you have asthma, hay fever or an allergy made worse by high pollen levels, here’s some advice for avoiding it and for easing allergy symptoms if you get them.

1. Start taking antihistamines as soon as possible

Asthma UK advises sufferers to take antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays ASAP to make sure you’re covered during pollen season. Various treatments are available, including antihistamines which are non-drowsy. Visit asthma.org.uk and a pharmacist can help you choose which is best.

2. Take asthma medicine if you’ve had it prescribed

If you have asthma, pollen season can be deadly. “Cut your risk of having an asthma attack by taking your preventer inhaler (usually brown) as prescribed,” says Munde. “This will help to reduce the underlying inflammation in your airways and make you less likely to react if you come into contact with pollen.

“Always carry your reliever inhaler (usually blue) if your symptoms flare up unexpectedly.”

3. Stay indoors on dry, windy days

Prevention is key and while none of us want to be holed up inside on a sunny day, it makes sense to keep the windows closed to shut out airborne pollen.

4. Try using petroleum jelly as a barrier

That little tin of Vaseline can be a godsend and prevent pollen from entering your nose. Try dabbing the balm around the nostril area before heading outdoors.

5. Wear sunglasses and a visor

A large pair of wraparound sunnies will prevent tiny particles of pollen from irritating your eyes. For extra protection, a visor or cap will shade you from the sun’s UV rays and help stop an allergic reaction from dust flying overhead.

6. Wash regularly

We all love to feel fresh and clean but when the pollen count is really high, make sure you shower and wash your hair when you get in the door. This way, you’ll be washing away any stray particles that might be sticking to your hair, skin and clothing, and ultimately reduce the risk of more irritation.

7.  Clean the house

No one likes household chores but spring cleaning and regularly dusting, hoovering and cleaning the windows and doorway can prevent the spread of airborne pollen and again, reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.

8. Brush and clean your pets

As much as we adore our cats and dogs, their coats can carry a host of potential irritants wherever they go – especially if they’re traipsing in and out of the house. Try to keep them well-groomed and paws clean.

9. Be mindful of what you eat and drink

Good fats and foods rich in omega-3 such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, nuts and seeds won’t stop allergies, but some say they can help to ease the symptoms.

Meanwhile, alcohol might be an irritant. Histamine (produced by yeast and bacteria during fermentation) can set off allergy symptoms, according to some studies. One, by Denmark’s National Institute of Public Health and published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy in 2008, found two glasses of wine a day almost doubles the risk of allergy symptoms in women. So abstaining from booze this weekend might cause you less grief (sorry).

10. Try some home remedies

If holding your head over a bowl of hot water works for a stinking cold, there’s no reason why it can’t ease a blocked nose caused by allergies. Not only does facial steaming feel nice, but it’s also hydrating and can help relieve congestion and headaches.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if hay fever symptoms are severe or interfere with daily life. They may recommend a combination of remedies to manage symptoms effectively.