As we enter the time of year where things start to warm up, it also brings the season where pollen count increases, affecting those who suffer from hayfever. As pollen rises, so do the unpleasant symptoms that come along with it, as experienced by around one in four people in the UK. Here are some of our tips to deal with the allergies.
Protect your Eyes
It is impossible to fully avoid pollen, however there are several ways in which you can prevent symptoms from getting worse, such as simply avoiding exposure grass areas when outside, or wearing wrap around sunglasses to protect your eyes.
You can soothe any puffy or irritated eyes with eye drops, such as Optrex's Soothing Eye Drops for Itchy Eyes, which work by gently cleansing the surface of the eyes and washing away the particles causing allergy.
Apply some Barrier Balm
One of the symptoms of hayfever is the sneezing and uncomfortable tickling sensation that comes from the pollen particles. Dabbing a balm around the edge of the nostril can help to trap or block pollen from entering your nasal passage and coming into contact with the rest of your body. This could be petroleum jelly or other balms, not forgetting to reapply throughout the day and each time after blowing your nose to make the effects last longer.
Try a Nasal Rinse
Of course, it may be impossible to prevent any particles from entering the nasal passageway. This can cause further symptoms, including congestion a runny nose. A nasal cleanse helps to flush out mucus or other irritants in the nose that is causing discomfort.
The NeilMed Adult Sinus Rinse Starter Kit helps to provide relief from a blocked nose, clearing out the nasal passageways from congestion, allergies, sinus pressure and stuffiness. Rinse out the discomfort and obtain a clearer, cleaner nose feeling.
Keep an eye on the Pollen Count
If you suffer from the allergies, it's beneficial to get ahead of what is expected in the pollen forecast so that you can plan your day accordingly. You can get information on the pollen count up to 5 days in advance, allowing you to be aware the areas of high pollen and therefore avoid areas and times of the day wherein the count is at its peak. Discover the pollen forecast in your area on the Met Office website.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical released in your immune system during an allergic reaction which causes symptoms and which is released when the body sees itself as “under attack” from a foreign allergen. They can come in different forms such as pills, eye drops, sprays or creams, treating a various range of symptoms.
The active ingredient in Piriteze's Allergy Tablets is cetirizine hydrochloride, an antihistamine which can help to relieve the symptoms of some allergies and itchy skin rashes, and the symptoms of hayfever which include sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
Another product you can try is Benadryl's Allergy Relief Capsules that contain the antihistamine, acrivastine, which works to relieve symptoms of not only hayfever, but other allergic conditions such as pet, skin or dust allergies.