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As hayfever season slowly approaches for another year, in order to best help your symptoms we think it’s important to be prepared. That’s why we’ve dedicated a whole blog to discussing how to prepare your home for hayfever season. You might not be able to take charge of your symptoms outside but with our advice you’ll have some control inside!
Most of us wait for spring with eager anticipation but for a hayfever sufferer, there’s less excitement. That’s all because of pollen which, for someone with hayfever, the body over-reacts to. In this instance the immune system regards pollen as dangerous and so does everything it can to prevent it from harming the body.
We can blame the increased production of histamine on problems like inflammation, skin irritation, swelling and itching. It is produced by the immune system and helps get rid of allergens by widening blood vessels and pushing blood towards the surface of the skin. However, tissues can also become swollen and so this can lead to nasal congestion because the amount of air able to flow through the nose is restricted.
At this time the mucous membranes also begin to increase production of mucus in order to wash out irritants and trap foreign particles. This system works well if the body is in danger but when it’s just a passing pollen particle your body is reacting to, it is understandably frustrating!
Other symptoms of hayfever include sneezing, coughing, congestion and streaming eyes and once again, these are all just part of your body’s defence system.
So, with plants constantly releasing their pollen during the spring and summer months, a hayfever sufferer’s biggest enemy is out in force. As a result of this, it’s clear to see why they might not be thrilled at the prospect of entering the brighter, warmer months.
With pollen circulating the air outdoors, it is important that you take care to watch what comes and goes from your home. Don’t worry though, as there are a few easy ways you can do this!
The average person spends a third of their life asleep so, with all that time in bed, it’s extremely important to be able to take control of your hayfever there.1 For that reason, here are a few tips on how to go about just that!
Pollen can easily become attached to pets whilst roaming gardens and parks during the spring and summer months. Then, when they return inside, this pollen can easily spread as they make their way from the food bowl, to their basket, to your extremely comfy pillow! You’ll only realise the pollen is there however, when you go to bed and your symptoms worsen.
No one wants to restrict their pet to the garden just because it’s hayfever season so don’t worry, I won’t suggest that! However, there are a few things you can do to prevent your pets from making your hayfever symptoms worse.
Housekeeping can be an important part of keeping your hayfever symptoms in check. From dusting to vacuuming, there are various ways you can do this.
Ok, this one might seem a little obvious so I’ll keep it short! Fresh flowers are a no-go for anyone with hayfever for obvious reasons – it’ll only make your symptoms worse! If you’d like a little bit of colour to decorate your home with, then artificial flowers will work just as well. Remember though – keep that damp cloth handy to prevent them from gathering dust!
Unsurprisingly, cigarette smoke will only make the symptoms of hayfever worse. It irritates the lining of the nose, eyes, throat and airways – all of which will already be suffering when it’s hayfever season.
In the warmer months it can be tempting to throw open all the windows and doors to bring in the fresh air but, you’ve guessed it, this will not do your hayfever any favours! Instead it will only bring pollen into the house and make sneezing, congestion and watery eyes worse.
It is really important to keep track of the pollen count in your local area in order to prevent hayfever from impacting upon your day-to-day life. When counts are high you’ll know to avoid spending too much time outdoors. Equally, when counts are low this will be an ideal opportunity to get out and about. Our website provides a very detailed pollen count for most cities and towns in the UK.
Even with these measures in place, hayfever can still be problematic so if you’d like some herbal help, I’ve got you covered!
If hayfever is getting you down, I’d recommend you try Pollinosan. This product comes in various forms including the Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray and Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets. These non-drowsy remedies are fast-acting and effective.
The tablets contain seven tropical herbs to help treat hayfever, and allergies to things like fur and dust. In turn, this can help symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, congestion and a tickly throat.
The Nasal Spray is a good option too as it cleanses the nasal passages of pollen and other allergens to leave you feeling more comfortable. This soothing product works by rinsing the nose of allergens and restores fluid and moisture there.
With all these measures in place, you and your home will be ready for hayfever season!
1 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/10494965/How-much-do-we-really-know-about-sleep.html
Looking for relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever?
A.Vogel Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops contain hyaluronic acid (from vegetable source) and can be used for quick relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever. Suitable for contact lense users.
To find local independent stores in your area that sell A.Vogel Pollinosan Hayfever Eye drops, simply type your postcode below.
Take our quick quiz to discover just how healthy your immune system is, as well as some useful information about your general health and wellbeing!
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