Hay Fever Help: Simple Ways to Feel Better
If you have been sneezing more than usual lately, you are not alone. Pollen levels that cause hay fever tend to really pick up at this time of year in the North East.
It can be frustrating: the sun has just properly started to shine, and your nose is running, your eyes are itchy, and you feel tired for no clear reason.
The good news is that there are simple ways to ease symptoms and help you feel more comfortable.
What Is Hay Fever?
It’s an allergy to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. When you breathe it in, your body reacts as if the pollen is harmful.
Hay fever can affect us in different ways, but there are common symptoms like coughing, sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and watery, itchy eyes.
It can also make your sinuses feel blocked or swollen, which can cause headaches. All in all, hay fever can leave you feeling pretty low on energy.
Our allergies can change over time. It’s possible for people to get hay fever later in life, even if they’ve not had it before.
Simple Things That Can Help
There is no cure but small changes can make a real difference to how you feel.
Check pollen levels
There are pollen forecasts you can check – try the Met Office or the BBC weather websites. Or search for a pollen forecast app on your phone’s app store.
On high pollen days, try to cut down on time outside, especially early morning and evening when levels can be higher.
Keep the pollen outside!
Stopping pollen getting in your house is a must. These tips can really help, especially if you tend to get worse at night.
- Keep windows and doors closed when counts are high
- Dry clothes indoors if you can
- Vacuum and dust regularly
- Wash pets after they have been outside
Wash off pollen
Pollen can stick to your skin, hair, and clothes. Showering and changing after being outside can help reduce symptoms and make you feel fresher.
Protect your eyes
Sunglasses, especially wraparound styles, can help keep pollen out of your eyes.
A simple barrier trick
A small amount of petroleum jelly (vaseline) around your nostrils can trap pollen before you breathe it in.
Get Help at a Pharmacy
For most people, a pharmacy is the best first step for hay fever support.
You don’t need an appointment, or to see a GP first. Just find a pharmacy, and turn up.
Your Pharmacist might suggest:
- Antihistamine tablets
- Nasal sprays
- Eye drops
- Saline rinses
- Treatments suitable for children
Most treatments are available over-the-counter, so you don’t need a prescription.
Pharmacists can also help if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma, or take other medicines.
When to Contact Your GP Practice
Most people manage hay fever well with pharmacy treatment and self-care.
But, if your symptoms keep getting worse, or don’t improve with treatment from a Pharmacist, you should speak to a GP.
Hay fever can be irritating, especially when you want to enjoy the warmer weather. But with the right steps, most people can keep symptoms under control.
If you are struggling, your local pharmacist can help you find the right treatment.