Tips on how to deal with the high pollen count
The tiredness, itchy eyes, runny nose, and seasonal sneezes are well and truly back. And this year, you may have come to the sad conclusion that for some reason, your hay fever is worse than ever before. You’re not alone. Social media is ablaze with sniffly sufferers bemoaning the start of summer.
But why? Well, from May to July, grass pollen is at its peak. And that affects 80% of people with hay fever. Couple that with a slow start to the summer (by which we mean torrents of rain) damping down the ever-increasing count, followed by several intense sunny spells, and you have yourself a recipe for hay fever so perfect, it could bag a place on MasterChef.
Thankfully, you can ease your pollen allergy symptoms by following a few simple steps recommended by the NHS.
- Rub Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
- Shower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash pollen off
- Stay indoors whenever possible
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
And if all else fails, crack open the cetirizine, fexofenadine, or loratadine; names you’re no doubt familiar with if the summer sniffles have plagued you previously. They’re widely available from most supermarkets and pharmacies, and will treat your symptoms quickly.
But you could also consider:
- Barrier balms
- Local honey
- Eye drops
- Nasal sprays
- A diet enriched with vitamin C (a natural antihistamine)
- Avoiding dairy (and therefore dodging catarrh)
- Homeopathy
Julie Placket, our resident homeopath says: “This time of year is always tricky for clients. Many visit because the over-the-counter medicines they’ve been reliant upon for years are no longer working. Hayfever can be incredibly debilitating, but homeopathy can help.”
You can book an appointment with Julie via the blue button below.
Wishing you a jolly June, free from Hayfever!
The Heeler Centre
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