PILL-FREE OPTIONS
Red (light) nose therapy
These portable gadgets use two nasal probes to deliver red light phototherapy directly into the nasal passages.
Some studies show this can act on the lining of the nose to prevent it releasing histamine – the chemical produced in an allergic reaction – and reduce nasal inflammation.
These can work well for people who can’t take antihistamine for any reason.
Try: Lloyds Pharmacy Allergy Reliever, £19.99.
Local honey
It has long been suggested uggested that eating a teaspoonpoon of local honey a day in summer mmer can ease hay fever r symptoms by desensitising you to pollen. However, research shows thatat hay fever sufferers are allergic to pollen from rom grass and trees, which bees don’t visit as they prefer r garden or wild flowers. wers
This means that the type of pollen found naturally in honey is the wrong sort to develop any immunity to.
Pollen barriers
Applying Vaseline or a dedicated barrier balm such as HayMax (£6.99 in Boots) around the edge of each nostril to trap pollen before it enters your nasal passages can help reduce symptoms.
As most of the worst hay fever symptoms are caused by pollen entering the nose (as opposed to the eyes and throat), this is another good drug-free method to try.
Salt water rinses
There is good evidence that using a salt water solution to clear out your nostrils can help hay fever by flushing pollen out of the nasal passages and soothing the nasal lining. You simply squirt the solution into your nose, leave it for a minute and then blow your nose.
Try: Sterimar Isotonic Nasal Hygiene Spray,py £7.99, from pharmacies.
Air filtefilters/allergy hoovers
There Ther are a now a vast array of expensive exp vacuum cleaners and air filter systems that promise to suck su up and clear allergens such as a pollen, pet dander and dust mites m from inside homes. However, indoor air quality doesn’t d tend to be the big issue with wi hay fever – it’s typically the out outdoor airborne pollen grains grain that trigger allergic rereactions. So this could be a big spend for minimal benefit. Keeping windows closed in mid-morning and early evening, when pollen levels peak, should be enough to keep excess levels out of the household air. Showering and changing your clothes when you come inside from outdoors will also keep indoor pollen to a minimum.