Be Prepared for Pollen

Hay fever affects around 20% of people in the UK, as an allergic response caused by grass, pollens, and dust.  The common symptoms are similar to a cold - red, watery eyes, a runny nose, and repeated sneezing and wheezing. Other symptoms include an itchy throat, mouth, nose or ears, as well as blocked up sinuses, causing face pain and headaches.

Sufferers are affected between March and May, when the trees are in pollen, and then between May to July when the grass and flowers are in pollen.  Pollen is released early in the morning, and the pollen is carried into the air, causing pollen levels to rise throughout the day. The pollen level reaches its peak in the early evening, so one idea is to avoid going outdoors at this time.

But if the last thing you want to do during the spring and summer months is hide at home, then fortunately there are several alternatives.  

Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays can treat the itching, sneezing, and watery eyes, however antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Steroid nasal sprays are better at relieving congestion, although a prescription may be required.

A natural medicine practitioner may be able to advise which natural and herbal products can best alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.  For example, Marshmallow Root capsules contain mucilage, which loosens and eliminates phlegm.  Quercetin is also very effective at reducing sneezing and inflammation, especially when taken with Vitamin C. Stinging Nettle leaf capsules are also proven to reduce sneezing and itching for hay fever sufferers. Honey can also help to build up a natural resistance to hay fever, due to its antibacterial properties.

Other complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and homeopathy can also relieve or prevent hay fever symptoms, so see our A-Z guide for more information.