Combat Hay Fever with These Proven Strategies!
It may feel like summer is here but for many, the slight increase in temperature could mean runny nose, itchy eyes, and total discomfort. Hay fever is a common condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life. In UK, London has the highest incidence rate of hay fever, followed by Birmingham, Manchester, Cambridge and Leicester, according to the research by Chemist Direct.
What is Hay Fever?
Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an immune disorder usually triggered by pollens and other substances. Symptoms of hay fever are the same with an allergic response, which include sneezing, teary and itchy eyes, and a runny nose. There are two types of hay fever – the seasonal which occurs only at certain times of the year when some plants pollinate, and perennial, which occurs all year round.
Hay fever develops when the immune system overreacts to the inhaled pollen or allergens. The immune system considers them as ‘harmful’ and therefore releases chemicals like histamine and leukotrienes to try to destroy them. But this reaction results to varying symptoms that are meant to protect the body. For example, the nasal passages swell to prevent more allergens from entering, so as the eye lids. But all these produce severe discomfort and are really not necessary. Others symptoms of hay fever include nosebleeds and nasal polyps – non-cancerous growths.
Hay fever is often inherited. Majority of people who suffer from hay fever have a parent or sibling who has allergy. Furthermore, those with asthma and eczema are more vulnerable to rhinitis than those who don’t have any history of allergy.
Tips for Coping with Hay Fever
Get moving.
All you probably want to do when you’re having hay fever is to tuck under your blanket and sleep it away. But a European research found that people with hay fever who exercised most had the mildest symptoms. Spending at least 30 minutes on the treadmill or doing any other form of exercise can help. Just avoid exercising outdoors where pollen count is at its peak.
Eat right.
People with hay fever who follow a healthy diet are less likely to experience severe symptoms. Make sure your meal contains plenty of fruits and vegetables. However, be careful of some foods that may simply aggravate your condition. These include tomatoes, apples, celery, melons, bananas, and stoned fruits.
Keep calm.
A recent European survey involving over 2,000 hay fever sufferers reveal that the higher your stress levels are, the tougher your hay fever symptoms could get. Make sure you get enough rest, especially sleep. Consider undergoing acupuncture, massage therapy, aromatherapy, hypnosis and other relaxing therapies to keep your stress levels low and improve your mood because really, hay fever symptoms can get very irritating.
Watch out for spikes in pollen count.
Pollen count is at its highest early in the morning and in the evening. So during these times, try to stay indoors. And whenever possible, keep your windows and doors closed. While travelling on hot, dry days, keep your car windows closed and make sure your air conditioning unit is fitted with pollen filter.
Rub petroleum jelly at the entrance of your nostrils.
This will keep pollens from getting in. If you’re not comfortable with the greasy feel of petroleum jelly, consider other alternatives, such as beeswax.
Take non-sedating anti-histamine tablets.
Anti-histamine medications come in different brands and types. Always consult your GP to see which is best for you. Also consider using anti-inflammatory eye drops to relieve teary and itchy eyes.
Wear sunglasses.
During sunny days, don’t forget to wear your sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen and from the harmful UV rays as well.
Get enough sleep.
Try to avoid sleeping late especially when you have hay fever. People who get a ‘good’ night sleep tend to experience the mildest symptoms. Just 13% of hay fever sufferers who had at least 7 hours of sleep reported severe symptoms compared with 21% who slept for 5 hours or less each night.
Can you suggest other smart tips to fight hay fever? Feel free to share your comment below.
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