The Devastating Pollen Bomb! How to Triumph over Hay Fever

Introduction

To those reading this who suffer from hay fever, brace yourself against the skyrocketing pollen levels expected in the coming days.

Britons have been warned about a delayed pollen bomb, caused by the release of suppressed pollen following weeks of rainfall.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergies in the country, with an estimated one in two Brits being affected by it. Common symptoms including sneezing, itchiness, and a blocked or runny nose, which typically occur when the pollen count is at its highest – during warm, humid, and windy weather. In the event of a ‘pollen bomb,’ a massive release, which can sometimes resemble smoke, travels through the air from trees that have stored huge amounts of pollen.

For more information visit the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever

Weather experts have confirmed that the first ‘very high’ pollen days of the year will come this week.

The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, which issued the very high pollen alert – categorized as red – said: “A high risk in the South, Midlands, East Anglia & South & Mid Wales on sunny days at 17°C and above. The risk will increase to very high from the middle of this forecast period in warm weather. Expect the high risk to arrive in the North of England and N. Wales.”

There are particular concerns for those suffering with asthma, as the tiny particles can be harmful to them. Hay fever can make asthma and lung conditions worse, potentially triggering an attack that could be life-threatening if not treated.

The NHS confirms that hay fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.

There’s no cure for it, but there are things you can do to help your symptoms, or medicines you can take to help:

Personal Care

Wearing sunglasses can help with hay fever because your eyes are shielded from pollen, dust, and other allergens in the air. The wraparound design of the sunglasses helps to keep the allergens from getting in the eyes and causing irritation. The sunglasses also provide UV protection, which can help to reduce eye irritation and discomfort.

Additionally, taking showers after being outdoors and using a saline nasal spray or a neti pot to rinse out allergens from your nasal passages are other effective ways to remove pollen from your body.

Smoking is a major trigger of hay fever symptoms. Quitting improves air quality and minimizes the amount of pollen and other allergens in the air. When you smoke, you put inflammation in your nose and throat, making it harder to remove and increasing the severity of allergy symptoms. Quitting prevents this.

Another little trick that relieves hay fever symptoms is placing Vaseline around your nose. It acts as a barrier, trapping pollen and other allergen particles in the air from entering your nose. Additionally, it’s a good moisturizer that reduces itchiness and irritation.

Environmental Control

One way to do this is by closing your windows to keep pollen out of your home, and keeping air circulation at a moderate temperature so it’s easier to breathe. Putting air purifiers with HEPA filters around your home can also reduce indoor pollen levels.

Avoiding outdoor activities altogether is another way to ease your symptoms as you aren’t exposed to pollen.

Have a Clean Space

One way to ensure your surroundings are clean is by vacuuming regularly. It alleviates symptoms by trapping pollen and getting rid of dust particles before they can cause a reaction.

To all our readers who drive, purchasing anti-pollen fresheners for your car will be a good idea given what is coming. They work by attracting the pollen or dust before it can get into your nose and eyes and cause irritation, itchiness, and sneezing. They are an excellent aid in making driving around a more comfortable and convenient experience.

Medication

Examples of medicines and how they prevent hay fever symptoms are:

• Antihistamines, such as cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine, can help reduce symptoms.
• Nasal Sprays, such as fluticasone or mometasone, can reduce inflammation and symptoms.
• Decongestants, like pseudoephedrine or nasal decongestant sprays, can help to reduce nasal stuffiness and pressure from swelling. But they should be used with caution because they can worsen symptoms if overused.
• Eye Drops, more specifically antihistamine eye drops, are a great tool to relieve itchy and watery eyes.

Thank you for reading, click the link to read our other Health Article: https://insidesuccessmagazine.com/category/health