What can I do to make dealing with hay fever easier?

If you’re a keen gardener, the start of England’s most prestigious flower show is probably already on your radar. For those who aren’t so green-fingered, this week marks the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which has flower lovers flocking from all over the country. But as much as admiring the floral displays is heaven for some people, it could be a red flag if you’re a hay fever sufferer and regularly battle sneezing, a streaming nose, and red itchy eyes. Unfortunately, pollen allergies seem to be more common than ever during the spring and summer months, but is there anything we can do to make dealing with hay fever easier?

Check out the weather forecast

One of the things people love about summer (when it finally arrives) is the lighter evenings and warmer days. The downside is this is also the start of grass pollen season, which causes a reaction for more than 80% of hay fever sufferers. Thunderstorms and blowy weather can also make symptoms worse because they move the pollen around the air and up our noses. When this is breathed in, it triggers typical reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. While we’re unable to control the weather, it’s worth taking note of the forecast so you can be well-prepared before heading out for the day.

Reduce stress to alleviate hay fever symptoms

Trying to chill out is often easier said than done, and telling someone to relax can have the opposite effect! But it’s worth being mindful of the fact that stress has a physiological effect on the body and promotes the production of histamine. This causes the onset of many allergy symptoms, so feeling stressed and anxious is likely to directly impact how your hay fever makes you feel.

Switching off can be very difficult, especially when we lead busy lives and juggle various commitments. But it’s worth thinking about what you can do to recharge your batteries if you’re really struggling with your hay fever symptoms this year.

Make your diet a priority

If you consistently eat a diet with very little nutritional value, it can lead to weight gain and inflammation in the body. This has an influence on the way we deal with allergens, which in turn can make hay fever symptoms worse. Eating a diet full of fruit, veg and whole grains is therefore one of the healthiest things you can do to ease your reaction to pollen and other allergens. Suppose you suspect that your body has difficulty digesting certain items. In that case, a food intolerance test will provide reassurance that the ingredients you eat aren’t making you feel unwell or your hay fever symptoms any worse. 

City life can aggravate hay fever

Most people assume that hay fever symptoms flare up more when trees and grass surround you in the countryside. However, the air pollution present in cities can cause pollen to mix with car fumes and stay in the air (and your nose!) longer because they take a while to get absorbed back into the atmosphere. This causes your immune system to react, and your symptoms kick in.

Aggrevate Hay Fever

Cities are also a hotbed for hay fever because the grass and trees that grow in urban areas produce stronger pollen that’s changed by the chemicals in the air. This potency makes a reaction more likely, which is unfortunate if you live or work in a city where there is a lot of traffic. Of course, relocating to ease your hay fever isn’t a realistic solution, but you can do things to help you cope and deal with your hay fever symptoms.

What can I do to make dealing with hay fever easier?

Nasal sprays, eye drops and antihistamines are the best way to reduce your hay fever symptoms and should be part of your summer survival kit. Another tactic suggested by the NHS is placing Vaseline around your nostrils to trap the pollen and washing your clothes regularly when you’ve spent time outside. It’s also a good idea to close the windows in your office and car to keep the air you breathe as pollen-free as possible.

Dealing with hay fever symptoms

If you find your symptoms are still quite severe when you’re inside, an air purifier could be worth a try. This works by sanitising the air so it’s free from pollutants and allergens, which can help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as hay fever. Applying a cold compress to your closed lids for 5 – 10 minutes is a cheaper option to alleviate dry and itchy eyes. A cool, wet cloth is perfect for this, but a bag of peas from the freezer is a good backup!

Order a food intolerance test to rule out other sensitivities

If you’ve been experiencing hay fever-like symptoms but want to rule out other sensitivities, a food intolerance test can put your mind at rest. UK Food Intolerance tests are simple to do and provide fast results so you can be reassured that your symptoms aren’t caused by your diet. If you’d like to learn more about having an intolerance test, please look at our FAQs page, email [email protected] or fill out the contact form on our website. Please remember that our advice should never replace that of medical professionals and that food intolerance tests will not cure allergies.