Do you dread change of season? Are you afflicted by streaming and itchy eyes, runny nose, intensive sneezing fits, headaches and other symptoms? You are not alone. Unfortunately, around one in five of us suffer from hay fever.
We’ve looked into some remedies that doctors and pharmacists use themselves during this difficult period of each year for sufferers of hay fever and asthma symptoms. These medical professionals swear by these remedies and we wanted to share them with you!
Start Early
One way to pre-empt these terrible symptoms that can be the bane of our existence at this time of the year is to start taking your medication one month in advance of the pollen season. Some medical practitioners insist that this avoids you getting your first bout and ensures that you have a better season as you are less sensitised to the pollen.
Add a drop of seasoning
One easy remedy that some medical specialists swear by is the very simple use of salt and water, using a saline solution to clear out the nasal passages of allergens and mucus. Just mix a teaspoon of salt in some warm water to dissolve. Then, once cooled, use a cotton bud dipped in this solution to gently wipe clean the insides of your nostrils or use a dropper or a syringe, but take care not to go too deep into your nostrils. There are also various over-the-counter saline solutions available that you can use.
Washing your face and eyes regularly with running water, and inhaling nasal sticks that are mint or eucalyptus-based, and taking mint lozenges can also help with your nasal congestion.
Sunglasses (especially the wraparound kind) can protect your eyes from pollen exposure.
Laundry and cleaning tricks
Pollen is one of the killers for us sufferers. It is therefore important to shower and change your clothes every time you have been outside to avoid bringing pollen into the house.
While clothes which are freshly dried outside smell amazing, another tip is to dry your clothes indoors to avoid getting pollen on them.
Air your home regularly to avoid mould building up. Regular dusting with a damp cloth and vacuuming will help reduce the dust and pollen in your home. Wash your bedding weekly at 60° as this is the best way to eliminate allergens. Any soft toys should be aired regularly and exposed to sun once a week. You should also place these in the freezer once a month for 12 hours to kill off dust mites.
Wash that dog
Some medical practitioners noticed that their symptoms got worse when they got a dog. This is probably because the dog brought pollen in on his (or her) fur every time he went out. One possible solution is to give your dog a rinse after each walk to get rid of the pollen he tracked into the house.
Add Fibre to your Diet
Some doctors recommend increasing your fibre intake and eating anti-inflammatary flavinoids that you can find in foods such as apples, berries, tomatoes, onions, nuts, seeds and even tea, as this can improve your allergy-related symptoms. Adding a sprinkle of dried yeast flakes may also contribute anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, helping to improve your symptoms.
On the other hand, alcohol increases the production of histamine, that nasty chemical that is responsible for our itching, sneezing and inflammation, so it may be a good idea to avoid this.
We hope these tips help you to navigate this tortuous time of the year with the least symptoms possible. However, if you are still struggling, do speak to your doctor, as there are continuous developments in the medical arena, and there may be a new medication that may be of much-needed help and relief to you.
If you are interested in a comprehensive physical screening, do speak to us and we will help guide you to a healthier you.
Contact us today on +356 21221355, 9985 2404 or send an email on info@clinipath.com.mt
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