Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s caused by an allergic reaction to pollen and other airborne allergens, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion.
Has yours kicked off yet this spring?
Hay fever is often triggered by seasonal allergens, such as tree pollen (most likely what’s making you sniffle right now), and grass pollen (making your life a misery during the summer). However, some people may experience symptoms year-round due to exposure to indoor allergens, like dust mites and pet hair.
According to Allergy UK, around 30% of adults in the UK have hay fever, and around 40% of children suffer from the condition. If you’re one of the 30%, you’ll know better than anyone that hay fever can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, affecting your sleep, work, and social activities.
While over-the-counter medications can help alleviate hay fever symptoms, they often come hand in hand with unwanted side effects such as drowsiness – not great if you need to work or go to school.
If you’re looking for alternative ways to cope with hay fever this spring, here are 10 options to consider:
Use a saline nasal rinse
A saline nasal rinse can help clear out your nasal passages and reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe.
Take natural remedies
Consider seeing a naturopath or taking some time to research natural hay fever remedies. Many plant extracts have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and histamine levels in the body.
Limit outdoor activity
Staying indoors during peak pollen times can help minimize exposure to allergens. If you do go outside, try to wear a mask to prevent pollen from entering your respiratory system.
Keep windows closed
Keeping windows closed during high pollen times (you can find these online) can help prevent pollen from getting in your home. Consider using an air purifier instead.
Shower and change clothes
Taking a shower and changing your clothes after being outdoors can help remove any pollen that may have accumulated on your body. Make sure you pop them in the laundry before wearing them again.
Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce inflammation and flush out any allergens from your system. Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Local honey
Some people have found that eating local honey, which contains small amounts of pollen, can help desensitise the body to its affects and reduce hay fever symptoms over time. It’s also delicious!
Essential oils
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus, have natural anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties that can help alleviate hay fever symptoms. Try diffusing them in your home or diluting them with a carrier oil and applying them topically. ClearO2 will be bringing out a new range of essential oil based Oxygen Mist products soon so keep an eye out for those.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Some studies have suggested that probiotics may help alleviate hay fever symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. Recent reports suggest that taking vitamin C supplements throughout the year may help reduce your seasonal sneezes.
Hay fever can be a frustrating and downright uncomfortable condition, but there are alternative ways to cope with it. From natural remedies to lifestyle changes, these options can help reduce hay fever symptoms and improve your quality of life. As always, it’s important to speak with your doctor before trying any new treatment or making any significant changes to your lifestyle.
