Hay fever sufferers in the South East are being advised to get the right balance of ‘defence and attack’ as pollen counts are set to be the worst of the year so far this week.
Very high pollen counts have been forecast across London and the South East for the next few days, so knowing what to do to prevent and relieve your symptoms is key, according to a leading expert.
“First and foremost you need to defend against the pollen, by keeping it out of your body,” says airborne allergens expert and life-long hay fever sufferer Max Wiseberg. “Then you need to attack any symptoms that may occur.
“Everyone can tolerate some pollen without reaction, but once this is exceeded – known as your ‘trigger level’ – an allergic reaction occurs. So defending your body against pollen entering will prevent or lessen your allergic reaction.”
“The most effective way to defend against the pollen is to apply an organic allergen barrier balm around your nostrils and bones of the eyes. You should also wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors, which as well as protecting your eyes from the sun, will help prevent it getting in your eyes. And a cap, hat or head cover and tying up long hair will help stop it getting trapped in your hair.”
“It is also important to defend your home against pollen. Keep doors and windows shut to keep the pollen out. Vacuum and damp dust your home regularly to minimise the amount of pollen in the air, including fabrics such as curtains and upholstery. If you have a pet, ensure that you groom and shampoo it regularly and keep it out of your bedroom.”
“Then go on the attack of any symptoms you may still get. There are several treatments and remedies available, both conventional and natural. And if your symptoms are particularly bad on a given day, some of these products are complementary to each other, so can be combined for greater effect – in other words create your own ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’. However it is important to remember to never use more than one antihistamine and to never use more than one steroid nasal spray.”
“Conventional treatments and remedies include antihistamines – which come in tablets, capsules and sprays – steroid nasal sprays and eye drops. There are several different forms – just check the active ingredients on the packaging – so if one doesn’t seem to make a difference, try another. Several are available over the counter, whilst some are available on prescription.”
“My recommendation for your ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’ is an organic allergen barrier balm, one antihistamine, one steroid nasal spray, eye drops and one of more other natural product.”
“Natural products include quercetin and butterbur – both natural antihistamines; try a quercetin complex containing bromelain, which helps the absorption of quercetin. Acupressure is another non-invasive, natural way to treat allergy symptoms, targeting pressure points on the body and an acupressure band can be worn on the Qu-Chi point associated with hay fever near the elbow. Immune support supplements help boost immunity and help the body deal with hay fever symptoms.”
For more advice on hay fever, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/
