How to help beat early HAY FEVER

FMax Wiseberg is an airborne allergens expert or many, hay fever symptoms start in the spring with grass pollen. But if you’re allergic to tree pollen your symptoms can start as early as February with alder and hazel, peaking in March and April each year.

Here’s how to get a head start on things, which can help.

Stop pollen entering your body with an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm, such as HayMax (haymax.biz). It’s applied to nostrils to trap more than a third of pollen particles.

Antihistamine tablets and capsules can relieve most symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy and runny eyes, skin irritation, itchy nose and throat. They may be less effective for nasal congestion.

Antihistamine nasal sprays can ease mild symptoms of itching, sneezing and watering.

Steroid nasal sprays and drops can reduce inflammation in the nose, and sometimes sprays clear eye symptoms too.

Eye drops may reduce itchy, watering, swollen eyes.

When outdoors, wear wrap-around sunglasses to prevent tree pollen particles entering your eyes.

Tie your hair up and wear a hat to prevent pollen being caught in it.

Take a shower and change your clothes after returning from outdoor activities, to help remove pollen.

Vacuum the house regularly, especially beds and fabrics. Dampen dust surfaces to remove dust and prevent it being dispersed back into the air.

Ensure that any pets are well groomed and shampooed to remove pet allergens and pollen particles.

Lastly, shower at night before you go to bed, to remove any pollen and pet hair from your hair and body that may be on you. This will also help you get a good night’s sleep and feel less sluggish the next day.