8 ways to ease your Hayfever symptoms
Hayfever is a common allergic condition which affects 1 in 5 people. Hayfever will present itself if you have an allergic reaction to pollen, which is the fine powder released by plants.
The allergic reaction occurs when our body reacts to pollen and releases more histamines than our body needs. This reaction will include symptoms such as:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
- Feeling tired
Hayfever is usually worse between March and September when the pollen count is at its highest. There is currently no quick fix for Hayfever, however you can ease your symptoms:
- Antihistamines
- Change your clothes when you come in from outdoors
- Wear sunglasses as a protective barrier to stop pollen getting in your eyes
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid touching your face or eyes
- Apply a small amount of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to the nostrils – this is an effective way to trap pollen before it enters your system
- Try to consume local honey regularly – this way you are ingesting local pollen and over time you may become less sensitive
- Eat foods rich in natural antihistamines such as; red onion, citrus fruits, apples, parsley, sage, dark cherries, blueberries and olive oil.
Your local pharmacy will be able to help advise further treatments for your condition.
Speak to your GP if your symptoms worsen or the treatments suggested by a pharmacists fail.
