Tis’ the season for bunged up noses and streaming eyes. The pollen counts are rising daily and the suffering has well and truly begun. I often believe the devil reincarnates as this dreaded summer friend. Why is it that hay fever and sunshine go hand in hand? It’s just cruel!
What actually is it?
To put it simply, it is an allergic reaction. If you are blessed with hay fever, it effectively means that your body despises pollen. The reaction can often be enhanced when pollen comes into contact with your eyes, mouth, throat or nose. For those of you that don’t know, pollen is a very fine powder that comes from plants – it’s basically beer for bees. Now of course, hay fever gets worse in the summery months but no fear, there are things you can do to ease your suffering!
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms can vary depending on the person and how severe their reactions are to the pollen. Here is a list of symptoms that you should look out for! Reactions can also be enhanced if you have any other issues, such as asthma:
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
- Feeling tired
- Tight chest
- Short of breath
- Wheezing and coughing
How do I save myself?
Like most things, your prayers can be answered… there are old wives tails, medication and strange techniques that somehow form miracles. Luckily with hay fever, there are plenty of solutions out there meaning if one doesn’t work, the chances are that everyone will have some form of saviour!
- Check the pollen count!!!! If the pollen count is high and you know that it will set you off, it might be better to re-evaluate plans
- Shower or bathe when you get in from being outside (do this for your pets too) as the pollen doesn’t magically disappear from your body – meaning that all you’re really doing is transferring the pollen to inside surfaces.
- Increase your Vitamin C intake! This acts as a natural remedy for hay fever, working as a decongestant and antihistamine. 1,000mg of Vitamin C a day will help to form a natural barrier and increase your ability to cope. This can be found in fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits etc.
- Acupuncture. It might sound like a bit of a random one but the links between acupuncture sessions and the alleviation of hay fever symptoms have found common links. It is recommended that sufferers attend between four and six sessions before the hay fever season starts to avoid a bad summer.
What products would you recommend?
- Neal’s Yard Organic Elderberry and Propolis Throat Spray 50ml
- Benadryl Allergy & Hayfever One A Day Tablets 30s
- Hay Max Pollen Barrier – Lavender
- Body Shop Elderflower Unperfumed Eye Gel