Spring is here and it is beautiful. Dainty tulips are in bloom, and the autumn trees begin to grow back their leaves in varying shades of green.
But spring isn’t as enjoyable for people with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever.
Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to indoor or outdoor allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Some of us are too familiar with this dreaded seasonal allergy – runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, sinus pressure, and a lot of sneezing.
Having hay fever can significantly affect your quality of life, however, there are effective ways to manage this allergic condition.
Here are 5 tips to prevent hay fever:
1. Identify your triggers
Common triggers include:
- Pollen (tree, grass, ragweed, flower, etc.)
- Dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches
- Spores from outdoor and indoor fungi, or molds
Pay more attention to your surroundings, identify what triggers the onset of your hay fever symptoms and avoid them as much as possible.
2. Stay indoors when the pollen count is high
Pollen counts are usually included in weather forecasts. If the numbers are high on a given day, it’s best to stay indoors and avoid exposure to these potent allergens.
3. Take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors
We have jobs and businesses to take care of and sometimes staying indoors is not an option. Make it a point to always take a shower and change into fresh clothes once you get home to remove the pollen on your body.
4. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly
Apply a small amount of Vaseline or petroleum jelly to your nasal openings in order to trap pollen grains that may make their way to your nostrils.
5. Damp dust regularly.
Dust indoors with a damp or wet cloth, rather than a dry one, as this will help collect the dust particles and prevent pollen from being spread around.
Read the full article by NHS here to learn more tips on preventing hay fever.