Hay Fever - How to Reduce The Symptoms Of Hay Fever
Hay fever time! It's that time of the year again, the time when we need to be outdoors enjoying the warmer weather.
Today, the term 'hay fever' is often used to cover many allergic reactions be it to pollens, indoor allergies such as dust mites or animal fur.
However, today this article is about airborne pollens and the allergic reactions it causes to many unfortunate people.
This hay fever is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Generally, the hay fever season begins in the spring and continues through the summer and often into the fall or autumn.
People can get hay fever in the winter in areas that have ragweed.
These airborne pollens get up your nose, in your eyes, mouth and hair and this causes an allergic reaction from your body.
This is when hay fever starts.
Your nose can be blocked or constantly streaming, your throat itchy, eyes can be very sore and watering.
Also, headaches can occur, you feel constantly tired and sleepy although you may have trouble getting a good night's sleep.
Different plants and trees can flower at different times so the pollen can go on for quite some time.
Fortunately, many people tend to be allergic to one type of pollen however if allergic to a tree pollen in spring and grass in summer then this time of the year is a big problem for some.
Relief from these symptoms can often be found by buying over the counter medications such as anti-histamines, various nose sprays and eye drops.
The down side of these medications is usually a feeling of being groggy so driving is not recommended.
Then there is the ongoing cost which can mount up.
However, all is not lost as there are some basic ways of minimizing the affects of hay fever and making you feel more comfortable.
The following which may seem obvious can be a start: • Use wrap around sunglasses to stop pollen getting to your eyes.
• Check out local media such as local newspapers or radio for pollen counts so that you know when the pollen count is high.
• Go inside if the pollen count is very high.
• Close doors and windows • Wash your clothes • Shower and wash your hair • Clear a stuffy nose with steam inhalation.
The addition of eucalyptus oil can help unblock your nose.
• Splash your closed eyes with water.
• Use petroleum jelly or similar by smearing a light film just inside your nostrils and the top of your eyelids to trap pollen before it enters.
• Consider buying an air ionizer for the home which will remove allergens such as pollen from the air.
• Have a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA air filter which will trap pollen in the home • Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth These are a few of the basic precautions that you can take to minimize the affect of pollen.
Natural treatments for hay fever consist of using foods containing natural anti-histamines, and more long term, using foods to build up your immune system with natural vitamins and antioxidants.
A quick alternative is supplements that contain these natural ingredients.
Today, the term 'hay fever' is often used to cover many allergic reactions be it to pollens, indoor allergies such as dust mites or animal fur.
However, today this article is about airborne pollens and the allergic reactions it causes to many unfortunate people.
This hay fever is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Generally, the hay fever season begins in the spring and continues through the summer and often into the fall or autumn.
People can get hay fever in the winter in areas that have ragweed.
These airborne pollens get up your nose, in your eyes, mouth and hair and this causes an allergic reaction from your body.
This is when hay fever starts.
Your nose can be blocked or constantly streaming, your throat itchy, eyes can be very sore and watering.
Also, headaches can occur, you feel constantly tired and sleepy although you may have trouble getting a good night's sleep.
Different plants and trees can flower at different times so the pollen can go on for quite some time.
Fortunately, many people tend to be allergic to one type of pollen however if allergic to a tree pollen in spring and grass in summer then this time of the year is a big problem for some.
Relief from these symptoms can often be found by buying over the counter medications such as anti-histamines, various nose sprays and eye drops.
The down side of these medications is usually a feeling of being groggy so driving is not recommended.
Then there is the ongoing cost which can mount up.
However, all is not lost as there are some basic ways of minimizing the affects of hay fever and making you feel more comfortable.
The following which may seem obvious can be a start: • Use wrap around sunglasses to stop pollen getting to your eyes.
• Check out local media such as local newspapers or radio for pollen counts so that you know when the pollen count is high.
• Go inside if the pollen count is very high.
• Close doors and windows • Wash your clothes • Shower and wash your hair • Clear a stuffy nose with steam inhalation.
The addition of eucalyptus oil can help unblock your nose.
• Splash your closed eyes with water.
• Use petroleum jelly or similar by smearing a light film just inside your nostrils and the top of your eyelids to trap pollen before it enters.
• Consider buying an air ionizer for the home which will remove allergens such as pollen from the air.
• Have a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA air filter which will trap pollen in the home • Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth These are a few of the basic precautions that you can take to minimize the affect of pollen.
Natural treatments for hay fever consist of using foods containing natural anti-histamines, and more long term, using foods to build up your immune system with natural vitamins and antioxidants.
A quick alternative is supplements that contain these natural ingredients.
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