I’m a pharmacist – these are my eight tips to help you beat hay fever

It’s closer to the time of year when sniffling and itchy eyes become a daily struggle for many.

And the race to find ways to deal with it is on, as the Met Office issues its first 2023 high pollen warning.

Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots, based in Nottinghamshire, said the best way to prevent a hay fever attack is simply to avoid pollen itself.

Failing that, she said you can also help lower histamine levels in your body by taking antihistamines, such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine.

But if you can’t avoid pollen and medication won’t cure you, Ms. Nevinson also revealed eight hacks to make your symptoms more bearable.

Check the pollen forecast

You wouldn’t be tempted to go out without an umbrella if the weather forecast says it’s going to rain.

So why go unarmed with remedies into the high clumps?

The Met Office forecast gives a daily pollen level of low, medium or high and you can use this to plan ahead.

Ms Nevinson says: ‘If the pollen count is high, it is likely that allergies will be worse at this time.

“It is therefore important to check the Met Office website daily to keep an eye on the pollen count, so that you can act quickly if necessary.”

Close windows

While it’s tempting to open your windows in the summer to let in drafts, it can make your hay fever worse.

Pollen-carrying breezes can travel through an open window in your home.

“If you’re going out for the day or staying indoors, make sure the windows in your car and home are closed to minimize exposure to pollen on days when counts are high,” Ms Nevinson said.

Know your timing

It is generally believed that pollen counts are highest when it is hottest.

But this is not always the case.

According to Breathe Right, there is often an overabundance of pollen in the evenings.

And a hay fever sufferer’s worst nightmare can occur when a high pollen count is accompanied by wet weather followed by sunshine, especially in a polluted area, as this can create a ‘pollen bomb’.

Ms. Nevinson recommends going out, it’s midday when it’s usually lowest.

“Take this opportunity to get outside for some fresh air,” she added. “There are also plenty of other health benefits of getting outside for a walk or gentle exercise.”

Be careful when transferring pollen

If you suffer from hay fever, you may need to adjust your summer routine.

This is because pollen can cling to clothes and hair, meaning if you come into the house wearing the coat you’ve been wearing all day, it can end up all over the house.

And if the pollen sticks to your hair, you should wash it to prevent it from causing a reaction.

Mrs. Nevinson said, “Change as soon as you come in.

“It’s best to shower and wash your hair too, because pollen is hard to remove unless it’s wet.”

Apply petroleum jelly

Multi-use petroleum jelly can help fight hay fever, as experts say rubbing it around the nostrils creates a barrier that ‘traps’ pollen before you can inhale it

“Apply a petroleum jelly barrier balm, such as Vaseline, around your nose to trap pollen,” Ms Nevinson said.

It is also recommended to reapply around the nostrils in the morning, during the day and at night – this can help people with hay fever sleep better.

This is because the gel can simultaneously soothe dry and itchy skin irritated by a constantly running nose, while also blocking pollen, experts say.

Then consider purchasing an air purifier

Another way to avoid an adverse reaction to pollen is to remove it.

And an air purifier can help you with that by removing the pollen particles in the air.

Ms Nevinson said: ‘Having an air purifier in the home is a great way to purify the air and moving it into the bedroom at night can help filter allergens and pollutants such as dust and pollen out of your bedroom.’

Find the products or drugs that work for you

Some people swear by nasal sprays while others opt for pills.

But finding the right hay fever medication is key to managing hay fever during the season.

When pollen from grass and trees comes into contact with the immune cells in the mouth, nose, eyes and throat, the body mistakes the particles for an infection and floods the area with histamine.

Histamine is a natural chemical the body produces to flush out the perceived threat and this causes the classic symptoms of hay fever. This is why patients are encouraged to take antihistamines as they suppress the chemical.

‘A range of hay fever products are available – from tablets to nasal sprays – you can always check with your pharmacist which products are right for you,’ Ms Nevinson advised.

She said you should talk to your primary care physician or visit an online doctor if your chosen remedy doesn’t work.

Know the difference between Covid and hay fever symptoms

Finally, make sure you know the difference between your hay fever symptoms and those of Covid.

Typical symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy red watery eyes or an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears.

But the most common symptoms of Covid include a high temperature and a new persistent cough.

“Sneezing is not a symptom of Covid and it is rare to have itchy, watery eyes or an itchy throat, and hay fever does not cause a high temperature,” Ms Nevinson added.