SPRING sunshine is a welcome treat for many – but it can also mean itchy eyes and sneezing fits for millions.
Around 16million of us suffer from and, with the issuing a pollen red alert across the UK, many are looking for ways to tackle or head off the allergy.
It is currently tree pollen season, with the spores from birch trees in particular causing misery for sufferers.
Here, Dr Helen Wall offers her top tips to snuff out the sneezes.
Get ahead with a big hat
CHOOSING some headgear with a wide brim, wraparound sunglasses with dark lenses or even a face mask are among the new NHS recommendations for those who suffer from the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Usually aggravated by grass, tree, flower or even weed pollen spores, hay fever is an allergic reaction which results in common signs such as red, watery or swollen eyes, sneezing, skin rashes and itchiness in the nose, throat and sometimes even the ears.
These spring-spoiling symptoms occur when our immune system over-reacts to plant micro-organisms.
It releases histamine as a defence against them, which causes the reactions.
Covering your face and eyes is a good way of stopping pollen spores from reaching these sensitive and easily aggravated areas.
Grease up your nostrils
SMEARING a thick layer of any budget petroleum jelly around your nostrils is a cheap and effective way of subduing irritating seasonal symptoms.
This useful trick works by creating a sticky barrier that traps most of those pesky fine pollen spores and prevents them from passing any further into your nasal passages, where they will cause allergic reactions and irritation.
Apply a thin layer of the lubricant around the base and inside your nose before venturing outside.
You can also carry a small pot of petroleum jelly with you for regular top-ups when you’re planning to spend lots of time outdoors – or just keep one handy for whenever the pollen count is high enough to be bothering you.
Shut doors and windows
THE sunshine and fresh air might be lovely out there, but if you want to prevent hay fever symptoms from taking hold, it’s best to keep windows closed to minimise exposure to pollen.
Throwing open home access points allows the spores to enter before they quickly settle on curtains, carpets, furniture and other surfaces.
And it won’t be long before they are triggering itchy, sneezing and watery reactions for any unfortunate hay fever sufferers inside.
If you can’t bear to keep doors and windows fully closed, avoid opening them at peak pollen times – normally mid-mornings and in the early evening.
Instead, opt for brief bursts of fresh air earlier in the day and later in the evening, when the counts are usually lowest.
Suck up those pollen spores
CLEANING the house doesn’t just keep your domestic environment fresh.
It’s key for combating allergic reactions too.
To help keep your hay fever symptoms contained, use a vacuum cleaner frequently – ideally one with a particle-snaring HEPA filter.
Pay particular attention to rugs or carpets where dust and pollen can settle and unleash misery.
And don’t forget to run the nozzle over all of those soft furnishings where particles might land, including sofas, cushions and throws.
Wipe down or dust hard surfaces and similar areas with a damp cloth to get shot of pollen properly, and don’t forget to wash the cloths as soon as you are finished with them.
Wearing a facemask while cleaning is advisable, so you don’t irritate your peepers or passages while disturbing the spores you are targeting.
Wash your hair before bedtime
SWAPPING your routine to shower in the evening instead of the morning can help in warmer months if you struggle, especially if you work outdoors.
You could double up with a twice-daily lathering but the main thing is to ensure you wash your before going to .
It’s important to wash off all the particles that may well be clinging on to your locks after transferring from trees or grass outside.
Thoroughly shampooing at night mitigates chances of lingering irritants coming into contact with your eyes, face or pillow while you sleep.
The natural oils on your hair also act as a magnet, so banish these mini misery inducers down the drain before bedtime instead of taking them with you to the land of nod.
For maximum effect, wash and dry your barnet as close as you can to turning in, ideally just prior to climbing between the sheets.
Dry your bedding inside the house
WASHING your bedding at least once a week is recommended for hay fever sufferers wanting to remove residual allergens and pollen spores.
Otherwise these irritants could cause your symptoms to flare up while you are sleeping, especially between April and September which is the peak problem period for most allergic rhinitis sufferers.
It is important to keep all of your covers clean with at least a weekly hot wash – including the valances and mattress or pillow protectors if you have them. When it comes to drying, remember to either hang them up indoors or use a tumble dryer.
Unfortunately, any washing put outside on the line will simply act as a pollen magnet.
Beware of the dog
IT might be easier said than done in a nation of animal lovers, but making your home – or at least the bedrooms and living room – a pet-free zone during the spring and months, when pollen counts are at their highest, could bring extra relief.
Cats, and even rabbits and guinea pigs can all carry airborne allergen spores on their fur, especially if they spend time walking in grass or among flowers, weeds or trees.
Once you bring your pet inside, these particles will enter with them.
The same principle applies to outdoor clothes, shoes and bags – store them outside of the house. Think twice before having fresh flowers in vases. Flowers release allergens, and shoes track pollen indoors.
Add antihistamine to your armour
THERE are plenty of medications that can bring relief at this time of year, and most of them are available over the counter from your local chemist.
Finding the right combination for your symptoms can be a matter of trial and error but antihistamine tablets, saline/steroid nasal sprays/rinses and eye drops can all make life more pleasant for hay fever sufferers.
They all work slightly differently and some may cause drowsiness, so it’s important to seek expert advice from your pharmacist or GP.
Many people use a nasal spray incorrectly by pointing it to the centre of their nose, tilting the head back and sniffing it straight away.
Used correctly with your head angled slightly forward, they can significantly reduce all hay fever symptoms.
