POLLENUTION

It’s the new double whammy of pollen and pollution. Here’s how to stop your summer being ruined by...

WHILE some of us revel in these warm, late-spring days, for others they’re misery. After all, it’s no fun dining al fresco when your eyes are puffy, your nose is streaming and your throat itchy.

Yes, we’re at the peak of the tree pollen season — but this isn’t just about hayfever. For millions, the problem of pollen in the air is compounded by pollution, leading to ‘pollenution’, — fine particle air pollution — a wretched combination that’s exacerbating symptoms.

Add in hot sun and that’s a real problem. ‘When pollen interacts with pollutants, such as diesel particulates, and ozone, generated in high volumes in hot and sunny weather, it seems to make the proteins in it more potent, so you need fewer to cause a reaction,’ says Beverley Adams-Groom, of the University of Worcester’s National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit. ‘Pollution can make pollen grains more fragile, too, causing them to burst and increasing the amount of allergen in the air.’

So, what can you do? Beverley suggests staying indoors with the windows closed and wiping surfaces with a damp cloth to remove pollen.

Andrew Williams, an advanced nurse practitioner specialising in allergies, recommends balms that form a barrier to stop pollen getting in the nose, or daily anti-histamines, as they build up to become more effective. If these don’t work, ask your GP for a prescription nasal spray.

Alternatively, you could look to the High Street for gadgets that claim to filter the air of pollutants. What works best? With the help of our experts, we assessed what’s out there…

FRESHER AIR

Philips Air Purifier Series 2000i (€548, fruugo.ie)

THEY SAY: Did you know that the air in your home can have two to five times more allergens and pollutants than outdoors?

Philips air purifiers claim to capture and remove from the air 99.97 per cent of all allergens. That includes pollen, dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, smoke, bacteria or viruses as small as 0.3 microns.

A series of filters trap indoor air contaminants, while an extrasensitive ‘allergen mode’ detects even the slightest change in levels and automatically boosts air flow to reduce them.

OUR EXPERTS SAY: ‘I always recommend hayfever sufferers drive with the windows shut and air conditioning on, as most cars have a pollen filter,’ says Beverley Adams-Groom. ‘Purifiers such as this can help to filter out pollen and spores.’

However, because rooms aren’t confined spaces like cars, it’s possible an air purifier will only work on a very local level. But some will find them useful.

DAMPEN DOWN

Dyson Humidifier AM10 (€549.99, dyson.ie)

THEY SAY: When air lacks humidity, it can leave skin cracked and sinuses dried out.

What’s more, it can reduce your respiratory system’s natural defences against asthma and other allergy triggers. The Dyson humidifier uses UVC light to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria in its tank of water, before emitting a fine ‘high-velocity’ mist, while sensors precisely monitor the temperature and humidity so that a comfortable, hygienic environment is maintained. OUR EXPERTS SAY: ‘Lubricating the nasal passages will probably help people feel better,’ says Andrew Williams. ‘I think even if I didn’t have hayfever, this would make me feel better.

‘I don’t think there’s any evidence high levels of humidity can “dampen down” pollen levels in the same way as rainfall.’

BEESWAX BARRIER

HayMax allergy barrier balm (€8.99, boots.ie) THEY SAY: HayMax is a natural, organic, drug-free balm made from a blend of beeswax and seed oils. It is applied to the rim of the nostrils and can be used on the bones around the eye socket.

It has been proven to reduce dust and pet allergens and prevent more than a third of pollen from entering the body. OUR EXPERTS SAY: ‘A scientific study carried out on HayMax by the University of Worcester’s National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit showed that, on average, HayMax prevented 37 per cent of grass pollen from getting into the nose,’ says Andrew.

‘That’s actually better than antihistamines, and safe for anyone to use.’

GIVE IT THE ELBOW

Qu-Chi Hayfever band (€17.99, pharmacystore.ie)

THEY SAY: Acupuncture pressure points have been used for thousands of years.

This band has been designed to apply pressure to the LI-11 acupressure point on the elbow, which acupuncturists believe pulls energy away from the head, nose, face and throat.

You can wear this at night to clear your throat and nose.

OUR EXPERTS SAY: ‘There is no evidence that this works clinically,’ says Andrew. ‘It’s likely that any benefit experienced is a placebo effect, but that can be very powerful.’