Springtime can be a beautiful season, with the flowers blooming and the sun shining, but for some people, it can also bring a lot of discomfort in the form of hay fever. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen released from plants during the spring and summer months. The symptoms of hay fever can include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. If you suffer from hay fever, here are some tips for relief.
Freepik/ Wayhomestudio | Antihistamines and nose spray can usually help to relieve symptoms
Avoid Exposure
The most effective way to avoid hay fever symptoms is to avoid exposure to pollen. This means staying indoors when pollen counts are high, usually in the early morning and evening. If you go outside, wear a mask to filter out pollen particles and sunglasses to protect your eyes. When you come back indoors, shower and change your clothes to remove any pollen that may have accumulated on your skin and clothing.
Keep Your Home Clean
Pollen can quickly enter your home through open windows and doors, so keeping your home as clean as possible is important. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clean your carpets and upholstery, and regularly dust your surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any pollen that may have settled. Keep your windows and doors closed during high pollen days, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to clean the air inside your home.
Use Nasal Sprays and Eye Drops
NPS/ iStock | Hay fever is a condition caused by an allergic reaction to pollen
Nasal sprays and eye drops can be effective in relieving hay fever symptoms. Nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, while eye drops can help alleviate itchy and watery eyes. Many over-the-counter options are available, but you may need prescription medications if your symptoms are severe.
Use Natural Remedies
There are also natural remedies that can help alleviate hay fever symptoms. One of the most popular remedies is honey, which is believed to contain small amounts of pollen that can help desensitize your body to pollen. Eating local honey may be especially effective. Another natural remedy is saline nasal rinses, which can help flush out pollen from your nasal passages.
Consider Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can be a long-term solution for hay fever relief. This treatment involves regular injections of small amounts of the allergen, in this case, pollen, over several years. Over time, the body becomes desensitized to the allergen, and the immune system no longer reacts to it. This treatment can be very effective, but it requires a long-term commitment.
Ryan O'Hare/ Shutterstock | In the United States alone, hay fever is estimated to cost up to $11 billion annually in healthcare costs
Monitor Pollen Counts
You can check daily pollen counts in your area online or through weather apps. By monitoring the pollen counts, you can plan your outdoor activities accordingly and take preventative measures on high pollen days.
Wash Your Hands
Pollen can cling to your hands and transfer to your face, causing irritation and discomfort. Ensure you wash your hands frequently, especially after being outside, to remove any pollen that may have accumulated on your skin.
