Hay fever symptoms spell misery for millions as pollen levels soar – 10 ways to ease your agony
ONE in five Brits across the country are facing hay fever hell this week - as pollen levels soar.
The Met Office has warned of grass pollen levels increasing to a "very high risk" over the next few days across the south of England and Midlands, with moderate levels in the north.
And hay fever symptoms could be heightened for many given the fact temperatures will also be surging to 29C tomorrow.
The grass season runs from mid-May until July, with two peaks - usually the first two weeks of June and the first two weeks of July.
But this can vary depending on where you are in the country and how the weather has been during spring and early summer.
Symptoms of hay fever can begin to appear within minutes of someone being exposed to an allergen.
According to the NHS, the key signs hay fever 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 your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
- Feeling tired
More than 18million Brits suffer from hay fever - so that's a whole load of people who can expect to be sneezing this week.
There's currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it.
However, there are are several things you can do to relieve your symptoms when the pollen count is high...
1. Use vaseline
Dabbing a little bit of petroleum jelly around the edges of your nose works as a barrier to trap pollen before you breathe it in.
A standard tin of Vaseline will do the trick – just smear a small amount around the edge of your nostrils.
It also works under the eyes to prevent them getting runny and itchy too.
Just remember to reapply if you feel like you’ve rubbed it off.
There is no need to buy branded balms such as .
Petroleum jelly such as does just the same job for only a fraction of the price.
2. Dry clothes indoors
Although the sun and fresh air make for the perfect drying solution for freshly-washed clothes, it's a nightmare combo for hay fever sufferers.
Pollen will cling to your clean washing and cause symptoms to flare when you next pop those clothes on.
Experts recommend avoiding this especially when pollen counts are high, so be sure to check the forecast.
Otherwise, try to dry your clothes indoors where possible.
3. Wear wraparound sunglasses
When you’re in and out of the garden, try to wear wraparound or close-fitting sunglasses.
This will help prevent pollen from getting in and irritating your eyes.
4. Try some nasal spray
If you’re struggling with a blocked, itchy or runny nose, a steroid nasal spray might provide you with some extra relief.
They work by reducing the inflammation inside the nose.
It’s best to try and use them for a week or two before you think your symptoms will start as they can take a few days to work, according to advice.
They also recommend that you keep using the spray, even if you’re feeling better as it only helps if you’re using it every day.
For over-the-counter relief you could try
Just make sure you read the label beforehand.
5. Shower more
Pollen can stick around for a while on your skin even after you've gone back indoors.
If you have been out in the sun all day then it's important to make sure you shower afterwards, this will wash away any of the pollen still attached to your skin and hair.
If you hair is long pollen can be trapped on it and in turn the pollen can then end up on your pillow.
While it's not advisable to wash your hair every day, you should at least rinse it with water to get the pollen spores out.
6. Use a damp cloth to wipe down dust
Dust can trigger hay fever so you need to make sure your home is as dust-free as possible.
Clean dust off surfaces with a damp cloth so it is absorbed instead of being spread around into the air.
Try to avoid dust dropping into any carpet as it can become trapped, and avoid feather duvets and feather pillows as dust gets easily trapped in these materials too.
When you get out of bed in the morning, throw a dust cover over your bed to avoid particles getting stuck.
7. Monitor it
There's an app for everything these days which makes it even easier for you to keep up to date with the pollen count in your local area.
This week the pollen count is varied across the country.
Northern parts are set for low pollen counts the midlands will have a mild amount, while the south, including London, is set for high pollen counts this week.
Dr Jean Emberlin says: "Monitor pollen forecasts daily and keep a trigger diary during the hayfever season.
"Avoid going outside in the garden or for a walk outside when the pollen count is high to limit your exposure.
"Rainfall generally washes pollen from the air so counts should be lower on cooler, wet days."
8. Cut down on booze
Beer, wine and other spirits all contain histamine - the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in the body.
Sick of fighting against runny eyes? The Met Office recommends sticking to the soft stuff where possible to avoid adding any unnecessary allergy pressure.
9. Check your pets
We love our pets, but they can wreak havoc with your allergies.
During pollen season it's important to make sure they are as clean as you are, and this includes keeping on top of cleaning any bedding or furniture they may sleep on.
If your pets have long fur it is likely that it will collect pollen when they go outside.
You should also try and keep your pets out of the bedroom in order to minimise the spread of pollen and to make sure you get a good sleep.
10. Take your meds at the right time
It may seem obvious for anyone that an antihistamine will help, but it's actually knowing when to take them that could make the difference.
For most hay fever sufferers, symptoms are worse around midday when pollen levels peak.
So taking the one-a-day anti-allergy tablets first thing in the morning will give you better protection.
But if you are someone who finds they make you drowsy then take it before bed.
Dr Sarah Jarvis told The Sun: "Part of the problem with hay fever is it depends on when your symptoms start, pollen counts tend to be higher during the day.
More on hay fever
"So we normally say if you are going to go out, go out early in the morning or late in the evening as pollen counts tend to be lower then."
Look for products containing Cetirizine or Loratadine - both of these work to combat allergies without making you feel tired.
Try taking one , with a glass of water every day.