As temperatures heat up this weekend so do the number of hay fever sufferers. It’s estimated that around 13 million Britons experience a stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing fits which come with hay fever. Natalie Masters, Boots pharmacist said: “You may have seen reports on rising pollen counts this weekend. If you’re a hay fever sufferer, don’t panic. When there’s more pollen in the air, your symptoms may worsen, but there are lots of steps you can take to alleviate these. Prevention is key, which means avoiding coming into contact with pollen in the first place. Grassy area are often best avoided and if you can, don’t spend time outdoors at the times when pollen counts are highest, typically the early morning and late afternoon and evening.
“If you need to go outside, applying a petroleum jelly balm to the inside of your nostrils or using an allergy barrier nasal spray can help prevent pollen from entering your nostrils, whilst larger wraparound sunglasses can help stop pollen form irritating your eyes.”
Dr Oz offered his advice: “Limit the amount of alcohol. More than one drink per day was associated with stronger allergic reactions.
“That may be because regular alcohol intake causes abnormal immune response.”
Allergy UK said: “Avoid drying your clothes or bedding outside when pollen counts are high.
“Avoiding airborne allergens such as pollen can be difficult however many people do see their symptoms improve when avoiding or reducing exposure to house dust mites and pets.
Nasal allergen barrier balms may be useful, when applied around the nostrils, can help to prevent allergens entering the nose and triggering symptoms.
“On high pollen days, shower and was your hair after arriving home and change your clothing.”
The NHS added: “There’s currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it. But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.
“Try stay indoors whenever possible, keep windows and doors shut and vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.”
Breathing matters concluded: “Although it is very difficult to avoid exposure to pollen, there are a number of measures you can take that will help you to minimise exposure and ease the severity of your hay fever symptoms.
“Keep car windows closed when driving and fit a pollen filter to reduce the impact of pollen spores.
“Ensure your air conditioning is set to recirculate the air inside.
“Avoid bringing fresh flowers indoors and don’t allow smoking in the house as this will irritate the lining of your nose, eyes throat and airways, making your hay fever symptoms worse.”