LIFESTYLE NEWS - While generally the warmer weather and budding blossoms bring a sense of excitement, the onset of hay fever can be a real issue at this time of year for many people.

In fact around 30% of people worldwide suffer from hay fever or more accurately, allergic rhinitis.

Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to substances in the air such as pollen – unlike a cold which is caused by a virus. Symptoms of hay fever include nasal congestion, a clear runny nose, sneezing, nose and eye itching and excess tear production in the eyes. Sufferers also sometimes experience a postnasal drip which then causes a cough.

Losing the sense of smell is common, as well as a loss of taste. Nose bleeding is another hay fever symptom that may occur if the condition is severe. These allergic symptoms often interfere with quality of life and can also cause more serious health problems such as sinusitis or asthma.

So what you can do about it? Here are a few home remedies Fedhealth recommends for dealing with hay fever:

• Gargle with warm salt water to get rid of an itchy or irritated throat.
• Use saline solution in your nose (which you can buy from any pharmacy).
• Try washing your hair before you go to bed and regularly changing your pillowcase. Many times, pollens and other allergens get caught in your hair and then fall in your eyes and nose while you sleep.
• Eat a spoonful of honey. Honey is said to cure hay fever because the bee pollen in honey can desensitise your body to other pollens. Try and find a local honey producer to achieve the best results.
• Buy a humidifier and use it regularly in the rooms of your house that you spend the most time in, like your living room and bedroom.
• Clean your carpets. Bare wood or tiled floors are even better as there are fewer places for allergens to hide! But if you have carpets and rugs, make sure that they’re cleaned regularly.
• Wash your pets. Animals also produce allergens, so make a weekly bath part of their routine.
• Vitamin C. Building up your immune system will go a long way to helping you combat hay fever. Citrus fruits, strawberries and kiwi fruit are all a good source of Vitamin C, or you could take a daily supplement.
• Steaming is a great way to clear your nasal passages. Fill a bowl with boiling water, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil and cover your head with a towel or cloth while you breathe the scent in.

“If you are still struggling with hay fever, visit your doctor who can assist with prescribed medications including antihistamines, steroid sprays and the likes that can help get it under control,” says Peter Jordan, Principal Officer of Fedhealth.

Courtesy of Fedhealth

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