Don't let hayfever ruin your summer
Hayfever season is just around the corner. For many of us that means constant sniffles, itchiness and distress not to mention the lorry loads of tissues we will get through. So just what is hayfever?
Dr Sebastian Winckler from www.thehealthcounter.com says “hayfever is an allergic reaction that occurs when pollen from plants and grasses are inhaled into the nose and gets into eyes.”
What are the symptoms?
“Symptoms can include a runny nose, extreme sneezing, itchy and uncomfortable eyes, scratchy throat, breathlessness and fatigue” says Dr Sebastian Winckler.
What medication should I be taking?
“Medications are really effective if used properly” says Dr Sebastian Winckler. “Some medications work best if taken before your symptoms actually start so be prepared. Antihistamine tablets are the most commonly used and usually the most effective but you need to remember to take them every day rather than just popping a pill just when you feel the symptoms. The levels of the drug must remain high in your system otherwise they won’t work properly”. Try Benadryl One A Day Tabletsor ask your GP for prescription only (PoM) antihistamines.
“You might also find that nasal sprays work at combating a runny nose and help with any congestion you may be experiencing. Carry eye drops with you for any itchy eye moments”. Try Prevalin Allergy Nasal Spray- it provides effective relief from hay fever – without causing any unwanted side effects. Its special triple-action formula forms a barrier within the nose, which helps to block allergens and pollen from reacting with the body
What else can I do?
Dr Sebastian Winckler suggests cutting down on foods which encourage mucus production and boosting foods that have anti-inflammatory benefits. “Try cutting out milk products from your diet as these are mucus forming foods, as well as sugar and unnecessary starch. This will help reduce catarrh (Catarrh is an excessive build-up of thick phlegm or mucus in an airway or cavity of the body). Eat more foods that are rich in calcium, flavonoids and magnesium as these help reduce the tendency for the body to form histamine. Also try and incorporate sunflowers seeds and nuts, veggies such as cabbage and onions and fruits including apples and blackberries into your daily diet”.
Dr Sebastian Winkler’s top 5 tips to tackle hayfever: -
-Try and avoid going outside when the pollen count is high and wear sunglasses to shield eyes from flying pollen
-Stop smoking. This will only further irritate your eyes, throat and airways and the lining of your nose
-Take regular medication to ease symptoms
-Splash cold water on eyes to wash away any allergens
-Don’t dry your clothes on the line on high pollen days