Hay fever season is upon us; with the warmer weather comes an increase in pollen as plants begin their reproductive cycle in the spring and summer months. Pollen is just one of the many allergens to trigger an allergic reaction, pets and dust mites can often be the cause during the colder months when most people spend more time indoors.
Hay Fever, What exactly happens?
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, despite its name is not caused by hay nor does it result in a fever. Rhinitis, which can be allergic or non-allergic both cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny, or blocked nose but hay fever will also cause itchy, red, or watery eyes, loss of smell, fatigue and headache. Allergic rhinitis causes the immune system to release histamine, a natural chemical designed to protect you by inflaming the nose, throat, and eyes with the aim of expelling the allergen.
Hay Fever Treatments
You can speak to our online pharmacist for your hay fever treatment including antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays such as Loratadine (Claritin®) or decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®).
Steroid nasal sprays can be used to reduce inflammation and can be used for both allergic and non-allergic hay fever. Beconase is a popular bestseller.
Diet Helps
As histamine causes the membranes to increase their mucus, it is best to avoid foods high in histamine. These include dairy, such as cheese, milk and yoghurt which can all encourage mucous production. Alcohol such as beer, wine and cocktails can make hay fever symptoms worse. Sugar is a common culprit for aggravating your immune system which is already stressed in trying to fight the allergens so avoiding refined sugars is advisable and instead opting for fresh fruits. Nuts and aged foods like vinegar and jams can also contain high amounts of histamine, opting for lower histamine options like pecans and macadamia over cashews and walnuts.
Do’s and Dont’s
As advised by the NHS, these are some additional helpful pointers for hay fever sufferers:
Do:
- put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen.
- wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask, or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes.
- shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
- keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
- vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
- try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
Don’t:
- do not cut grass or walk on grass.
- do not spend too much time outside.
- do not keep fresh flowers in the house.
- do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse.
- do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen.
- do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors.
