Hay Fever

An Article by Worsley Training – First Aid Training in and around Wiltshire

According to Allergy UK between 10 and 30% of adults suffer from hay fever. Around 90% of those are allergic to grass pollen, with peak irritability being between May and July, but tree and weed pollens can also cause hay fever, and these range between February and September.

The typical symptoms of hayfever are:
· A runny or blocked nose
· Sneezing and coughing
· Itchy or watery eyes

Hay fever is treated with antihistamine tablets / nasal sprays and eye drops (unless you are pregnant). Start taking them up to 4 weeks before you normally get symptoms to build up the medication in your bloodstream before the pollen starts being released. Ask your pharmacist to help you find the right anti-histamine for you as there are various options. Own brand or non-branded ones are cheaper than branded ones and work just as well.

Steroid nasal sprays help unblock your nose but it can take some time to feel the benefits. Start using it 2 weeks before your symptoms usually begin. They work by reducing the swelling in your nose so you can breathe more easily. A saline nasal spray may also help you feel more comfortable.

Locally made honey can improve resistance but avoiding exposure is unfortunately the best solution, unless you believe the rumour that gin may help?!

Finally after being outside, change your clothes and have a shower to wash off any pollen, and try to keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.

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