I’m a pharmacist – these are my eight tips against hay fever

It’s getting closer to the time of year when cold and itchy eyes become a daily struggle for many.

And the race to find ways to deal with it began as the Met Office issued its first high pollen count warning for 2023.

Claire Nevinson, senior pharmacist at Boots in Nottinghamshire, said the best way to prevent a hay fever attack is simply to avoid pollen itself.

Alternatively, she said you can also help lower histamine levels in your body by taking antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine and loratadine.

But if you can’t avoid pollen and medication doesn’t cure you, Ms. Nevinson also shared eight tricks to make your symptoms more bearable.

Check the pollen forecast

You won’t be tempted to go out without an umbrella when the weather forecast says it’s going to rain.

So why go into the high cliques unarmed with cures?

The Met Office forecast gives a daily pollen level of low, medium or high and you can use this to plan ahead.

Ms Nevinson says: “If the pollen count is high, allergies are likely to be worse by then.

“It is therefore important to check the pollen count daily on the Met Office website so that we can act quickly if necessary.”

READ MORE: Hay fever season is officially HERE! Met Office issues first ‘high’ pollen warnings of the year – so is YOUR area in the firing line?

Close the window

While it’s tempting to open windows in the summer to let in drafts, this can make your hay fever worse.

Pollen-carrying breezes can move through an open window into your home.

“If you go out during the day or stay indoors, make sure your car and home windows are closed to reduce pollen levels on high pollen days,” Ms Nevinson said.

Know your timing

Pollen counts are generally believed to be highest when it is warmest.

But this is not always the case.

According to Breathe Right, there is often an oversupply of pollen in the evenings.

And a hay fever sufferer’s worst nightmare can occur when high pollen counts are accompanied by wet weather followed by sunshine, especially in a polluted area, as this can create a ‘pollen bomb’.

Ms Nevinson recommends going out, it’s midday when it’s usually at its lowest.

“Take this opportunity to get some fresh air,” she added. “There are also many other health benefits of going outside for a walk or light exercise.”

Be careful when transferring pollen

If you’re suffering from hay fever, you may need to adjust your summer routine.

That’s because pollen can stick to clothes and hair, which means if you walk in with that coat you’ve been wearing all day, it can end up all over the house.

And if the pollen gets stuck on your hair, make sure you wash it to prevent it from causing a reaction.

Mrs Nevinson said: ‘Take turns as soon as you come in.

“Showering and washing your hair is best because pollen is hard to remove when wet.”

Apply petroleum jelly

Multipurpose petroleum jelly can help fight hay fever, as experts say rubbing it around the nostrils creates a barrier that “traps” pollen before you can inhale it

“Put a petroleum jelly barrier balm like petroleum jelly around your nose to trap pollen,” Ms Nevinson said.

It is also recommended to apply around the nostrils in the morning, during the day and again at night – it can help people with hay fever to sleep better.

Because the gel can simultaneously soothe dry and itchy skin irritated by a constantly runny nose while blocking pollen, experts say.

Then consider getting an air purifier

Another way to avoid an adverse reaction to pollen is to remove it.

And an air purifier can help you by removing the pollen particles in the air.

Ms Nevinson said: “Having an air purifier in the home is a great way to clean the air and bringing it into the bedroom at night can filter allergens and pollutants such as dust and pollen out of your bedroom .”

Find the products or medications that work for you

Some swear by nasal sprays, others take pills.

But finding the right hay fever medication is key to coping with the season.

When pollen from grasses and trees comes into contact with the immune cells in your mouth, nose, eyes and throat, the body mistakes the particles for infection and floods the area with histamine.

Histamine is a natural chemical that the body produces to flush out the perceived threat and it causes the classic symptoms of hay fever. For this reason, patients are encouraged to take antihistamines as they suppress the chemical.

“A range of hay fever products are available – from tablets to nasal sprays – you can always check with your pharmacist which products are right for you,” advised Ms Nevinson.

She said you should talk to your family doctor or see an online doctor if your chosen remedy doesn’t work.

Know the difference between Covid and hay fever symptoms

Finally, make sure you know the difference between your hay fever symptoms and those of Covid.

Typical symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy red watery eyes, or an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears.

But the most common symptoms of Covid are a high temperature and a new persistent cough.

“Sneezing is not a symptom of Covid and it is rare to experience itchy, watery eyes or an itchy throat and hay fever does not cause a high temperature,” Ms Nevinson added.