Hay fever help

Hay fever, or ‘allergic rhinitis’ is a common reaction to pollen from grass, trees and weeds. Symptoms can include sneezing and coughing; a runny or blocked nose; itchy, red or watery eyes; itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears; loss of smell; pain around the temples and forehead; headache and earache.

There is no cure for hay fever, and the most effective way to control it to avoid exposure to pollen completely. However, it’s very difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months, when we all want to spend more time outdoors – even more this year as restrictions ease. But there are some straightforward ways to minimise your exposure to pollen:

• Apply Vaseline around your nostrils: this will help to trap pollen before it gets into your nose
• Wear wraparound sunglasses: this will help to prevent pollen getting into your eyes
• Shower or change your clothes after going outside as pollen will be trapped on your clothes
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when the pollen count is highest
• Keep your face masks clean as researchers believe they help to filter out pollen. Hay Fever wipes also help to remove pollen and other irritants from your face and hands.

Treatment options for hay fever include antihistamines, which can help to prevent an allergic reaction from occurring and corticosteroids (steroids), which help to reduce inflammation and swelling. Speak to your local pharmacist to see if they could help you.

You can also check the pollen forecast each day here.