How to Get Rid of Hayfever

It’s that time of year again, the pollen count is soaring and at least one in five of us is suffering. Whether you are affected by tree, grass or weed pollen sometimes it feels like it would be easier to just stay inside. It’s no secret that hayfever is annoying but if you follow these tips you should see an improvement in your symptoms.

In the home try changing your clothes when you get in. Pollen can stick to your clothes and so by shedding your outside clothes you’re ensuring the symptoms won’t persist inside. Shake your coat. Again, the pollen is sticking to your coat, if you shake it after every use the pollen won’t be able to build up. Consider drying your clothes inside, you wash your clothes to get rid of the pollen then stick them outside to dry which puts you back to where you started. It sounds obvious but keep your windows shut – don’t let the pollen in. In essence, the idea is to wash anything that comes into contact with pollen regularly like your hair, pets, clothes etc. The weather forecast usually includes a pollen count for the day and you can plan your day accordingly. If the count is super high perhaps limiting time outdoors would be wise.

Whilst you are out and about it is important to do as much as you can to limit your exposure. Try avoiding the early morning or evening, times when the pollen count is highest. Sunglasses can be a good defence against itchy eye symptoms, so choose your pairs wisely – wraparound styles are the most effective. Applying Vaseline around your nose can trap the pollen and stop you breathing it in. Leave the city; studies have shown that symptoms can be worse in more urban areas perhaps due to the air pollution. Take a trip to the beach, the sea breeze blows the pollen inland before it can affect you.

What you consume during the day can also affect your symptoms. Spicy food will widen your airways making it easier to breathe and temporarily relieving stuffy noses. If you start off your day with a cup of tea – as most Brits do- it could be worth swapping out your usual for a chamomile or nettle tea, as both are proven to have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid foods and drinks that produce histamines, such as alcohol, pickles, nuts and cheeses. Histamines are to be avoided! Histamine is a chemical produced by the body in response to an infection; it causes swelling and exacerbates hay fever symptoms because hayfever sufferers produce it unnecessarily.

Buying antihistamines in bulk may be the way to go. Make sure you always have a stockpile. Online pharmacies are more convenient for orders like this; they simply show up at your door. It’s less hassle; you can purchase everything from hayfever tablets, eye drops, nasal spray and even products like Cytomel Tabs (Liothyronine or T3).