Matter: Easy steps to get forward this hay fever season

Easy steps to get forward this hay fever season: Hay fever is a typical allergic situation that impacts roughly 1 / 4 of individuals within the UK, It’s attributable to an allergic response to airborne pollen. The severity of hay fever signs can fluctuate relying on the person and the kind of pollen they’re allergic to.

Might is a time of transition for hay fever victims; the tree pollen season is coming to an finish, however the grass pollen season is simply starting.

Some individuals could solely expertise gentle signs, corresponding to sneezing and a runny nostril. Others could expertise extra extreme signs, corresponding to itchy eyes, a blocked nostril, and wheezing. Whereas hay fever signs are usually gentle, they are often disruptive and make it troublesome to really feel your greatest.

Should you undergo from hay fever, there are a number of issues you are able to do to handle your signs when the pollen depend is excessive. Dr Luke Powles, Affiliate Scientific Director for Bupa Heath Clinics, shares each pure and medical strategies to alleviate signs this hay fever season.

Medicines to assist relieve hay fever signs

There are a number of medicines accessible over-the-counter out of your native pharmacy that may assist alleviate hay fever signs. Medicines are available varied kinds, corresponding to antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, steroid nasal sprays, salt water nasal washes and eye drops.

Discovering hay fever treatment that works for you possibly can assist to step-up your therapy on days the place pollen feels notably difficult for you. It may possibly typically be a means of trial and error to seek out the drugs that work greatest to alleviate your signs. Discuss to a pharmacist should you’re not sure of which one to strive subsequent.

Pure methods to alleviate hay fever

Utilizing these pure strategies may also help to scale back your publicity to pollen. They are often helpful for victims as standalone measures, or alongside over-the-counter drugs.

1. Protect your eyes and nostril

Pollen is the principle set off of hay fever, and it may well enter the physique by means of the eyes, nostril, and mouth. By masking your face, you possibly can assist to stop pollen from coming into contact with these areas and triggering an allergic response.

There are a couple of alternative ways to cowl your face to assist with hay fever. One choice is to put on wrap-around sun shades or a masks. These may also help to dam pollen from entering into your eyes and nostril. Another choice is to make use of balm as a barrier, corresponding to petroleum jelly, round your nostrils. This may also help to lure pollen and forestall it from getting into your nostril.

2. Earlier than leaving the home, verify the pollen depend

Maintaining knowledgeable concerning the pollen depend may also help you handle your signs and benefit from the outside extra. Pollen counts are usually highest within the morning and night, so it’s greatest to verify the forecast earlier than you go outdoors.

If the depend is excessive, you possibly can take steps to scale back your publicity – like masking your eyes, nostril and mouth – or plan the time of day you go outdoors. By staying knowledgeable and taking steps to guard your self, you possibly can cut back the influence of pollen in your day-to-day life.

3. Whereas indoors preserve home windows and doorways shut

Airborne pollen, which is chargeable for most hay fever signs can enter your house by means of open home windows and doorways, so it’s essential to maintain them closed, particularly throughout spring and summer season months when the pollen depend is excessive.Should you should preserve your home windows open, shut your curtains or blinds to assist preserve pollen out.

4. Bathe and wash your garments recurrently

Pollen can cling to your hair and clothes, so it’s essential to take steps to take away it if you come indoors. Having a shower or washing your garments when you come inside will assist to scrub away any pollen that could be in your physique. As soon as washed, keep away from drying your garments outdoors as drying them outside can cowl them in pollen once more, as a substitute use an indoor drying rack this can assist to maintain pollen out of your house.

5. Reduce down on alcohol

Alcohol can worsen hay fever signs. Beer, wine, and spirits all include histamine, a chemical that triggers allergic reactions. Histamine could make you extra delicate to pollen, and alcohol may dehydrate you, which might make your signs even worse. Should you undergo with hay fever, it’s greatest to restrict your alcohol consumption. Should you do select to drink, drink loads of water to remain hydrated. You may additionally wish to take an over-the-counter antihistamine to assist relieve your signs.

6. Hold pets off your mattress

When you have a cat or a canine that goes outdoors, attempt to preserve them off your mattress in spring and summer season. Pet hair can act as a service of pollen, which may set off your allergy symptoms!

Should you’re struggling to maintain your hay fever signs at bay after utilizing these measures, ensure you see a pharmacist, GP or different well being skilled for additional recommendation.

Bupa was created on 3 April 1947 with the founding goal – ‘to stop, relieve and treatment illness and ill-health of each sort’ – enshrined in our authentic structure, combining a caring ethos with freedom of alternative.