ASK THE PHARMACIST

Q CAN putting petroleum jelly around my nostrils prevent hay fever?

AHay

FEvER occurs when pollen enters the nostrils, eyes or throat and attaches to mast cells, white blood cells that are part of the body’s immune system and which release the chemical histamine, triggering symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. Putting petroleum jelly around the nostrils acts as a simple barrier, trapping the pollen before it enters the nose, and is recommended by the nHs to prevent hay fever, says anshu bhimbat, from LloydsPharmacy in buckinghamshire. It is a very easy and cheap option that works for some people. you need only apply a little inside the nostril (less than a fingertip amount) and this can be reapplied as often as needed during the day and at night. Do this as a preventative — though it can also help if you’ve already got symptoms.