Sneezing? Coughing? Runny or blocked nose? Itchy watery eyes? If you're experiencing these symptoms between March-September, then chances are its hay fever!
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it meets your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. Pollen is a fine powder from plants. Other common triggers include dust mites, grass pollen, tree pollen and pet dander.
Although the symptoms are usually not very serious, they can disrupt sleep, concentrations and make you quite miserable!
No cure for hay fever exists but using defence and relief techniques against pollen can provide some relief.
How to manage hay fever symptoms
Using a daily routine of lifestyle changes and hay fever treatment can help relieve symptoms. We suggest trying the following tips throughout your day:
Morning:
Check the pollen count for the next 5-days on the MET-office website and you can plan your week accordingly.
Take your antihistamines, speak to a pharmacist about which ones are the best fit for you.
The London House of Wellbeing has natural alternatives to antihistamines.
Keeping eye-drops and nasal sprays which are suitable for you at hand.
Apply a barrier balm to your nose. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the opening of your nostrils will help trap the pollen and prevent it from travelling further.
Keep wraparound sunglasses to hand. Wraparound sunglasses help in protecting your eyes from pollen.
Afternoon:
Keep the windows shut, use a fan or AC in the room if it's too warm. Blocking entry will reduce pollen exposure.
If you smoke, then quitting will help improve hay fever symptoms. Hay fever can irritate the lining of your airways, causing a dry, itchy cough, which smoking will only exacerbate.
Avoid tasks which cause pollen exposure such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves or keeping flowers inside your house.
Switch on an air purifier. Investing in an air purifier to use throughout the day will reduce pollen exposure.
Dry your clothes inside. Don’t undo any hard work of removing pollen from clothes by drying them outside on a washing line. Even the slightest breeze could result in a laundry load covered in pesky pollen.
Evening:
Vacuum and dust with a damp cloth so pollen does not linger over-night and aggravate symptoms.
Changing your outfit as soon as you come inside may prevent a flare up. It’s also a good idea to shower and wash your hair regularly to make sure pollen isn’t clinging to your skin or hair.
Groom your pets. Try to give your pets a quick rub-down with a damp cloth when they return home for the day (even if they protest!).
We believe prevention is better than cure. The London House of Wellbeing recommends these top tips to take control of your hay fever symptoms.
Honey: Support the local economy by buying some lovely local honey from bee farmers. It has been cited that one teaspoon of honey before the season starts can build tolerance against hay fever symptoms.
Turmeric: Natures natural anti-inflammatory. Turmeric helps reduce swelling and irritation, especially beneficial with that runny nose when you have hay fever!
Vitamin C: Orange a day keeps the hay fever at bay! Another naturally occurring antihistamine which can reduce allergic rhinitis.
Hello Day: We stock some amazing natural products in store:
Immunity Defence is the only natural histamine blocker in the U.K. to provide fast-action relief in 10-15 minutes.
Immunity support to provide immune support, topping up your friendly gut bacteria and Vitamin D.
Here to help you
If you are struggling with hay fever and require some support, then please do not hesitate to contact the London House of Wellbeing. We have a friendly Pharmacist and an in-house nutritionist available to provide advice, tips, supplements and referral to GP if needed.
+44 (0) 202 733 0932
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