YOUR HAY FEVER SURVIVAL GUIDE

DON’T LET PESKY POLLEN RUIN YOUR SUMMER. WE’VE GOT ALL THE EXPERT TIPS AND TRICKS TO KEEP THOSE ITCHY EYES AND SNIFFLY NOSES AT BAY

With summer well and truly here, the days are longer and the sun is shining (sometimes), but for thousands of us, it also brings the season of hay fever and all the misery that comes with it.

For the next few months, all the pollen flying around in the air can wreak havoc on our senses. From itchy eyes and noses to blocked sinuses, sneezing, coughing and all that’s in between, it often feels like us hay fever sufferers just can’t catch a break. But help is at hand. We’ve spoken to the experts and have come up with the ultimate hay fever survival guide…

WHAT IS HAY FEVER?

“Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is caused by your body’s immune system mistakenly identifying a harmless substance (pollen) as a threat and producing an antibody called immunoglobulin to fight it off,” says Shyam Morjaria, superintendent pharmacist at UK Meds. “The production of this chemical is what causes the symptoms of hay fever. So that’s why those who suffer from an allergic reaction to grass pollen will start to experience symptoms such as a runny rose, itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion.”

CLEAN UP

“After spending time outdoors, shower to wash away any stray pollen on your hair and skin,” says Boots pharmacist Janky Raja. “Avoid hanging your washing outside – the pollen in the air can cling to your clean clothes and linger on the materials.”

DRINK UP

“Keep hydrated, drink plenty of water and be mindful of alcohol,” says pollen expert Dr Jean Emberlin. “Some drinks, such as beer, contain the substance histamine, which can make hay fever symptoms worse.”

ALL IN THE GUT

“Hay fever is caused by an overreaction of the immune system,” explains Hannah Braye, nutritional therapist at Bio-kult (bio-kult. com). “Therefore, looking after your gut is really important to help reduce inflammation.

“Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, live yoghurt and miso contain live bacteria and are a great way to give your gut flora additional support. Bio-kult Advanced Multi-strain Formula may benefit hay fever sufferers too, via interactions with the immune system which modify the natural course of allergic disease.”

HOUSE PROUD

“Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to keep pollen outside,” says Dr Emberlin.

“Clean regularly, by wet dusting and vacuuming, ideally using a special HEPA filter.”

TIMING IS KEY

“Certain times of day have higher pollen levels, typically the first half of the morning and later in the afternoon and evening,” explains pharmacist Janky. “If the pollen count is high, try to avoid going outside during these times of day.”

SIMPLE TRICKS

“Your Vaseline has multiple uses,” says Janky. “Try applying it to the inside of your nose as it will help stop pollen from entering and bringing on the sniffles.”

HATS ON

“Tie your hair up before going outdoors and wear a hat, cap or other head cover to prevent pollen particles being caught in your hair,” explains leading airborne allergens expert and creator of the Haymax Allergen Barrier Balm (haymax.biz), Max Wiseberg.

“And wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent them coming into contact with your eyes.”

MAN’S BEST FRIEND

“Our pets could be a secret carrier of pollen. Wipe them with a damp cloth or grooming brush after their walks to remove pollen from their fur,” Dr Emberlin tells us.

MONITOR IT

Check the Met Office website regularly for pollen counts and forecasts. It will tell you if it’s in the danger zone for sufferers or safe to go out. Even better, download the app and get notifications straight to your phone every day.