As GLORIOUS as these warmer months are, they can be hell for the ten million Britons suffering from hay fever.
Most people are sensitive to pollen and airborne allergens emitted by grass, which reach peak levels in June and July each year.
As if that weren\’t enough, grass pollen can also cause itchy eyes and throat between June and September.
A runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy mouth and throat are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to harmless particles such as pollen, which produces histamines in the process.
And while there\’s no cure for these annoying symptoms, there are some treatments that address and ease them.
Hay fever sufferers — including former Hollyoaks star Nadine Mulkerrin — now swear by a \”life-saving\” barrier balm they say helps ease their agonizing hay fever, called HayMax.
All you need is to rub the balm into the base of your nostrils and around your eyes. The goo will help trap all types of grass and tree pollen.
The five varieties of the balm are suitable for pregnant and nursing mothers and children.
It costs £8.49 per jar and is available in select Superdrug and Boots stores, independent pharmacies, Holland & Barrett, Booths and Ocado.
You can also find the elegant conditioner on Amazon.
Buyers said that the product had definitely made their noses less runny and itchy, although some noted that you may also need to use HayMax alongside other hay fever relief products.
\”You have to reapply quite often if you rub your nose a lot but [it] seems to help,” wrote one reviewer. Reduced sneezing and runny nose due to hay fever.\”
Another said: \”There is no smell in the product and it doesn\’t leave the skin greasy. I have noticed a difference in the reduction of symptoms.
It is important to note that this is not a cure as such and you will need to use it in conjunction with antihistamines and nasal sprays etc. \”, they added.
“This is magic,” another customer wrote. \”I have to say this was so much better than any spay or pill I\’ve used. Just make sure you line up both nostrils correctly. You won\’t feel it there, but the difference is day and night.\”
They noted that they still take allergy pills to treat their symptoms.
Symptoms of hay fever
Hay fever is a common allergic condition. It affects up to 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives.
You will experience hay fever symptoms if you have an allergic reaction to pollen.
Symptoms of hay fever include:
- frequent sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose)
Less commonly, you may also experience:
- loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
- facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses)
- heachache
- earache
- tiredness and fatigue
If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms can get worse when you have hay fever.
Source: NHS
Applying a balm, including petroleum jelly, to your nostrils and eyes before going outside isn\’t the only way to ease hay fever symptoms.
First, try to shower and change your clothes after you\’ve been outdoors, as pollen gets everywhere, sticking to your clothes and hitting you long after you\’ve retreated inside.
Try wearing some (very stylish) wrap-around sunglasses to block out pollen particles.
It\’s also important to wash your hands regularly when you\’re out and about to remove pollen, and to avoid rubbing it further into your eyes or nose.
And avoid drying your laundry outdoors.
Finally, it\’s a good idea to create a first aid kit to take with you in case you experience symptoms.
For more tips on preventing hay fever, see the NHS website.
And you can check the pollen forecast for your area here.
The Met has forecast \’high\’ pollen levels in the North West, Wales, South West and South East today, which are expected to spread across the West and East Midlands tomorrow and Friday.
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