Hay Fever – How to Protect Yourself Against Pollen
Top tips for hayfever sufferers
With grass and flower pollen in full swing during this time of year, avoiding exposure to pollen is the most effective way to help control hayfever symptoms. This is easier said than done, but we have some tips to help.
This article will cover:
- Who is Affected by Hay Fever?
- When Does Hay Fever Start in the USA?
- What Are the Symptoms?
- 10 Top Tips to Treat Hay Fever
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is the most common form of non-infectious rhinitis, affecting 10-15% of children and 26% of adults in the USA. Recent research has found that around 49% of people suffer from hay fever symptoms. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, the fine powder plants emit as part of their reproductive cycle. Pollen contains proteins that irritate and inflame the nose, eyes, throat, and sinuses (the small air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead).
Who is Most Affected by Hay Fever?
Hay fever can affect all ages, although it usually begins in childhood and the teenage years. In childhood, hay fever is more common in boys than girls, but in adults, it affects men and women equally.
As with many conditions, you are more likely to suffer from hay fever if you have a family history of allergies, especially eczema or asthma.
When Does Hay Fever Start in the USA?
Most hay fever sufferers see their symptoms worsen at a particular time of year (often in spring and summer), known as ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’. However, severe sufferers may struggle year-round with perennial rhinitis.
The timing of your symptoms depends on the type of pollen you are allergic to:
- Tree pollen – released during spring (late March to mid-May)
- Grass and flower pollen – late spring and early summer (mid-May to July)
- Weed pollen – most potent in the summer through early autumn (late June to September)
If you are diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, you might consider using saline to rinse the nasal cavity with a spray, pump, or squirt bottle, which you can buy over the counter.
Allergy organizations, such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), provide more information about treating hay fever for allergic rhinitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Hay Fever?
Symptoms of hay fever can include:
- A runny nose and nasal congestion
- Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing
- An itchy nose, roof of the mouth, or throat
- Wheezing, tight chest, breathlessness
- Post-nasal drip (the sensation of mucus running down the back of the throat), which then results in coughing
- Fatigue
10 Top Tips to Treat Hay Fever
Unfortunately, hay fever has no cure, but many products and treatments are available to relieve symptoms. The most effective way to control hay fever is to avoid exposure to pollen, which can be challenging, especially during the hot summer months.
Here are some ways to help alleviate hay fever symptoms:
- Keep Clean
Take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen from your body and hair. - Choose the Right Sunglasses
Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen from getting into your eyes when you’re outdoors. - Check the Weather Forecast
Many weather forecasts include pollen counts. If levels are high (over 50 grains per cubic meter of air), assess how much time you need to be outdoors and whether your symptoms will interfere with your activities. If you stay indoors, keep your windows and doors shut. - Avoid Being Around Pets That Have Been Outdoors
Pets carry pollen on their fur, so it’s advisable to keep a distance on high-pollen days. On a hot day, you can wash your pets to reduce the chance of a flare-up. - Protect Your Nostrils
Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the nasal openings to trap pollen grains. - Dry Your Clothes Indoors
Pollen collects on your clothes, so avoid drying your laundry outside when the pollen count is high. - Avoid Gardening and Choose the Right Plants
Spending time close to plants can exacerbate hay fever symptoms. Avoid planting wind-pollinated plants such as sunflowers, ragweed, and dahlias. - Spend Time by the Sea
Sea air blows pollen inland, so take a beach break to relieve yourself. - Take Antihistamines
Antihistamines help prevent an allergic reaction, while steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation and swelling. - Visit Your Doctor
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor for further options. In extreme cases, immunotherapy, involving exposure to small amounts of pollen over three years to build resistance, may be an option.
In most cases, hay fever can be controlled by making behavioral changes and taking over-the-counter medication from your pharmacist. However, it may be worth speaking to your doctor if:
- Allergy medications don’t provide relief or cause unpleasant side effects.
- You have another condition that can worsen hay fever symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma, or frequent sinus infections.
