Hay fever, or pollen allergy, is an allergic reaction to plant pollen. This condition is accompanied by nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itching in the nose, mouth, and ears.
Claire Nevinson, chief pharmacist at the British pharmacy chain Boots, knows how to combat hay fever. She believes the best way to protect yourself from hay fever attacks is to avoid pollen whenever possible. But if that’s not feasible, consider these eight tips to help manage the annoying symptoms of pollen allergy.
Stay Informed About Pollen Levels
Not everyone may know this, but meteorologists regularly provide forecasts about pollen levels in the air. These levels are usually described as low, moderate, or high. That information can help you plan your day. When pollen counts are high, allergic reactions tend to worsen.
Keep Your Windows Closed
During warm weather, open windows are tempting — how else can you ventilate your space? But the wind can carry pollen inside, which can make hay fever symptoms worse.
To minimize pollen entering your home or car, Nevinson says, keep windows closed.
Know When Pollen Levels Are Highest
Many people assume pollen levels peak during the hottest part of the day. However, that isn’t always true. Pollen can be blown around in the evening as well, a phenomenon reported by the Daily Mail.
Hay fever can get worse when a large amount of pollen combines with moisture and then the sun comes out. In polluted areas, that can create intense “pollen bombs.” Nevinson recommends going outside when temperatures are at their lowest.
Remember That You Can Carry Pollen
Pollen easily clings to clothing and hair. If you enter your home still wearing the jacket you had on all day, pollen can spread through your living space.
The pharmacist suggests removing outer clothing as soon as you step inside. If pollen has stuck to your hair, shower and wash your hair right away. Dry pollen is harder to remove.
Apply Vaseline to Your Nose
Rubbing a thin layer of Vaseline inside your nostrils creates a barrier that can trap pollen before you inhale it. Nevinson says you can apply this protective layer around the nostrils in the morning, during the day, and at night. A nighttime application can help you sleep more comfortably.
Use an Air Purifier
Another way to avoid hay fever is to reduce the amount of pollen in your indoor environment. An air purifier can help by filtering out allergens and pollutants, especially in your bedroom.
Find the Right Medications for You
When pollen from grasses and trees meets immune cells in the mouth, nose, eyes, and throat, the body can mistake those particles for an infection and release histamine into those areas.
Histamine is a chemical that triggers hay fever symptoms. People experiencing pollen allergy symptoms are often advised to take antihistamines. Nevinson says there are many medications available to ease pollen allergy symptoms, from tablets to nasal sprays. To find which products are right for you, consult a doctor.
Distinguish Between Hay Fever Symptoms and COVID-19 Symptoms
Finally, it’s useful to know how pollen allergy symptoms differ from those of COVID-19. The typical symptoms of hay fever were listed at the start of this article. Early COVID-19 symptoms typically include a high fever and a persistent cough.
According to Claire Nevinson, sneezing is not a symptom of COVID-19. Itching in the throat and watery eyes are also rare with the illness. Hay fever, on the other hand, does not cause a high fever.
