Sneezing, streaming eyes and brain fog? From smart antihistamine use to natural remedies, here’s how to take control of hay fever season without slowing down.
Words: Amy Mica Marsden. Images: Pexels
For many people, the arrival of warmer weather conjures thoughts of happily sitting outside, soaking in the rays (with sun protection, of course), barbecues with family, picnics, and more.
But for an estimated 26% of adults in the UK who suffer from hay fever, getting outside comes with some very unfortunate side effects. And with climate change extending allergy season more each year, it’s increasingly important to learn the best ways to handle them.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen which typically occurs during the spring and summer months. While many associate pollen purely with flowers, the main culprits for hay fever tend to be tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen.
These allergies can cause many undesirable symptoms of varying severity, making these months tricky for sufferers.
According to the NHS, symptoms of hay fever include:
- sneezing and coughing
- a runny or blocked nose
- itchy, red or watery eyes
- itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- loss of smell
- pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
- headache
- feeling tired
Hay fever and climate change
The time of year you experience this reaction depends on which pollen (or combination of pollens) you’re sensitive to. However, it is thought that climate change may be making allergy season longer and more impactful for sufferers.
Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Affairs at online pharmacy MedExpress, explains, “In the UK, tree pollen is usually highest from late March to mid-May, grass pollen from around May to July, and weed pollen, which arrives later in the season, often from late June to September.”
However, she adds, “studies suggest that rising temperatures linked to climate change are likely causing pollen seasons to start earlier and last longer, with higher pollen levels than in previous decades. This may increase the likelihood and duration of hay fever symptoms in people who are already allergic.”
“Warmer, drier weather in the UK is also increasingly linked to so-called “pollen bombs”, which can occur when a sudden rise in temperature triggers trees and plants to release large, concentrated bursts of pollen all at once. This can sometimes lead to short periods of much worse symptoms”
So how do we tackle hay fever and keep symptoms manageable throughout the season?
How to combat hay fever
While there is no way to prevent or ‘cure’ hay fever fully, there are several things you can do to minimise symptoms.
Lifestyle
The NHS gives several dos and don’ts when it comes to hay fever management — for example, it’s recommended you shower, wash your hair and change your clothes when you come home from being outside, especially if you’ve been in the countryside or a place with lots of greenery.
Vacuuming regularly and dusting your home with a damp cloth can also help minimise the amount of pollen inside, as can keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible.
As well as this, you should not cut your grass or walk on grass, or keep fresh flowers in the house. Smoking or being around smoke can also make symptoms worse.
If you’re planning a trip outside, you can also check the current pollen forecast to see whether the pollen count is high or low on that day.
Antihistamines
For many, the first line of defence against hay fever is antihistamines, a medication which reduces the impact of histamine production in your body (caused by allergens).
“One common mistake when it comes to antihistamines is only taking them once symptoms begin,” warns Dr Sophie. “Instead, antihistamines work best when taken regularly during allergy season, rather than only after symptoms start.
“Look out for the warning ‘may cause drowsiness’ when purchasing antihistamines such as chlorphenamine (Piriton), diphenhydramine, and promethazine. These are often very effective at reducing allergy symptoms, but they can make you feel sleepy. This is because they enter the brain and reduce the effect of histamine, a natural chemical that helps keep you alert.”
For antihistamines that are less likely to make you feel drowsy, look for medicines such as acrivastine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine.
Dr Sophie also warns that antihistamines may interact with other medications, so be sure to check with your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Steroid nasal sprays
If antihistamines aren’t working for you, or you prefer a different solution, you can try steroid nasal sprays (which reduce inflammation and mucus in the nose) to help manage symptoms – though you may need a prescription for some.
They’re most effective against symptoms such as a blocked nose, runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing. Like with antihistamines, you should aim to start using nasal sprays up to two weeks before you expect symptoms to begin.
Natural remedies and other helpful tips
Aside from medications, Dr Sophie Dix gives some ideas of other measures you can take to help manage your symptoms this allergy season.
“Non-medicated treatments can help relieve symptoms of hay fever by limiting exposure to pollen,” she says. “For example, using a saline nasal spray or rinse can help physically wash away allergens from the nose and ease nasal irritation
“Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the nostrils can also trap pollen entering the nose. Additionally, air purifiers with HEPA filters can be highly effective at reducing indoor pollen levels.”
Some recommend eating local honey as a potential hay fever aid, though there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest it works.
