Your springtime guide to pollen and hay fever
Posted: 23rd March 2022 | Posted by Costa
Your springtime guide to pollen and hay fever
We recently talked about seasonal allergies and how they seem to be coming earlier and lasting longer. We’re well into March now, so some people will be starting to notice those telltale signs. A runny nose. Itchy eyes. Scratchy throat. Yep, hay fever season is here.
But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here’s our springtime guide for dealing with your hay fever and pollen allergies, and what you can do to stop them in their tracks.
Symptoms to look out for
The problem with seasonal allergies happening earlier is that there’s overlap with winter illnesses such as a cold or the flu. Along with something like coronavirus. So some people might not realise it’s actually their hay fever acting up.
We all know the obvious symptoms:
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Scratchy throat or coughing
But there are some you might not realise are related to your allergy:
- Headaches, particularly around the temples (likely a sinus backup)
- Exhaustion
- Earache
- Loss of smell
Headaches, especially, are something we often attribute to something else. Not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep – you get the idea. But you might want to pay attention to the kind of headaches you get. Do they feel like they come from a blockage? Are they more around the front of your head? If so, it could be hay fever and sinus-related.
How to minimise symptoms
There are steps you can take to keep your symptoms at bay. The issue is when pollen reaches you and causes a reaction. So you need to do what you can to keep the pollen away.
If you like to have your windows open, this could be making your symptoms worse, so keep them closed. Make a habit of checking the pollen counts too, so you know if it’s worth going outside. Speaking of outside, don’t dry your washing in the fresh air. Pollen can stick to it and you’ll bring it right into your house.
If you like going for walks, stay away from grassy, open spaces. If you live near the coast, consider going there. If not, stay in more urban areas. Especially if the grass near your favourite walking spot has just been cut.
Preventative measures
There are other ways you could prevent hay fever from bothering you. Over-the-counter antihistamines are regularly used by people suffering, as are nasal sprays. Before you do this though, you might want to talk with your doctor.
They may have a better suggestion for helping you deal with your symptoms. It might also be the case that they recommend you don’t take over-the-counter medication. Always consult them before taking any medicine, just in case.
It’s always a rough time of year for people with hay fever, but don’t worry. Just follow these tips and you’ll avoid any unnecessary exposure to pollen. You won’t ever be 100% able to get rid of it, but at least you can minimise any aggravation.
Don’t let your hay fever get you down this spring. Talk to the experts at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today. We can help you with any allergy woes. Sign up as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.