Allergies, Health, Eyesight
Although hay fever often begins in childhood or during teenage years and, is more common in boys than girls, adult men and women are equally affected. If you have a family history of allergies, particularly asthma or eczema you are more likely to develop hay fever. Also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis and pollinosis – hay fever affects those of us who are sensitive to grass and tree pollens.
A rise in cases of allergic rhinitis means that two in 10 of us are medicating all year round. This is due to non-seasonal allergens, but according to a poll carried out by A.Vogel, a third of people polled had never heard of the condition or had it mentioned to them by their GP.
Hay fever is a reaction to pollen, allergic rhinitis is caused by the immune system reacting to pollen or another allergen as if it were a poison. Common allergens are house dust mites, animal hair, traffic fumes and plant moulds.
Histamine is created in the body as a response to an allergen and this causes inflammation in the body. This leads to swelling of the nasal passages and restricts the amount of air that can pass through the nose. Eyes become itchy, red or watery and vision can be affected. Sometimes the chest can be affected as well causing wheezing and discomfort.
If you are confused as to whether you have hay fever, allergic rhinitis or a cold then visit the hay fever health check at A.Vogel.co.uk to find out.
Avoiding exposure to pollen is easier said than done when we have to leave the house most days. But, if you are staying at home, keep the windows closed on high pollen count days and your bedroom window closed at night to avoid creating a pollen trap, use an air filter or ioniser in your room. Don’t hang clothes out to dry as pollen can attach to them, and be aware that pets can also carry pollen in on their fur.
Check pollen levels with the UK Met Office Pollen Forecast and US National Allergy Forecast
Pollen counts peak between 7-9 in the morning, and between 3-7 in the afternoon and early evening so limit exposure during those times.
Shower after outdoor activities to remove any pollen from your skin and hair.
You would assume that pollen levels are higher in the country but in fact hay fever can be worse during the afternoon in the city when symptoms are made worse by exposure to traffic fumes.
Yes, Nutritionist, Karen Newby, founder of Alchemy Super Blends, says she advises her patients to reduce foods that add to histamine response. Histamine is high in certain foods such as alcohol, fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, cheese, processed meats, smoked fish, spinach, tomatoes and dairy yogurt.
Avoid caffeine if you are experiencing hay fever symptoms, opt for anti-inflammatory green, white or nettle tea. Caffeine triggers histamine release which can bring the skin up in red, itchy, angry looking rash and dilate your blood vessels until everything feels inflamed.
Add fresh ginger to your diet, it acts as a natural decongestant by calming inflammation.
Reduce sugar, refined sugars trigger a dramatic rise and fall in blood sugar levels, which causes an adrenalin surge that activates histamine release.
Vitamin C helps to support your nasal lining and reduce the amount of histamine in the blood. The body can’t store vitamin C, so fill your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables or try a supplement like Healthspan’s Ruby Breakfast Vitamin C Effervescent tablets.
Quercetin and Vitamin C Complex from The Organic Pharmacy is rich in vitamins and anti-inflammatory herbs, Quercetin decreases inflammation and stabilises cells to fight hay fever allergies, allowing you to breathe easily.
Pycnogenol, an antioxidant French maritime pine bark extract, may reduce hay fever symptoms. According to Medical Nutritionist, Dr Sarah Brewer, “Pycnogenol contains a blend of antioxidant procyanidins which reduce inflammation and also have a natural antihistamine action. By inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells in the lining of the eyes and nose, they can reduce symptoms of hay fever”. Healthspan Pycnogenol is suitable for vegans and is gelatin free.
For more details on the overall health benefits of Pycnogenol visit Pycnogenol.com
Try wearing wrap-around sunglasses – remember to put them on before leaving the house, ensure the glasses offer 100% UV protection and that the lenses block both UVA and UVB rays.
If eyes are dry and irritated the Skin Shop’s Dry Eye Gel calms red itchy and dry skin around the eyes, it’s a light natural gel that contains a plant extract of cardiospermum which has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin. A.Vogel’s Eye Drops are suitable for contact lens wearers and contains hyaluronic acid and eyebright for relief of dry eyes. It’s rapid moisturisation refreshes and lubricates irritated, dry and tired eyes.
Soothe irritated eyes with a cooling eye mask that offers relief to irritated and inflamed eyes, reducing swelling and discomfort. Filled with natural wheat, keep in the freezer, the Ice Doctor® cold eye mask is available from The Body Doctor.
Try a nasal barrier, it’s a simple approach that stops the pollen from touching the lining of your nose. HayMax Balm is an organic, pollen barrier made from sunflower oil and beeswax. There are several versions and applying regularly just inside the nostrils will help trap the pollen before it enters your nasal passage. Don’t forget to reapply when you blow your nose!
A.Vogel’s Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray is a herbal spray which can be used from the age of 6, it gives instant relief without any side effects. It works by rinsing and clearing the nose of pollen dust and other allergen particles, restoring the fluid and moisture in the nose making it feel more comfortable.
Pollinosan Hayfever tablets are a natural remedy containing seven tropical herbs that work on all the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis, without drowsy side effects associated with some medicine.
The Organic Pharmacy Sneezeaway Tincture, a blend of anti-inflammatory and anti-histamines, chamomile, nettle and elderflower helps to calm pollen and hay fever reactions. And, their Mixed Pollen & Grasses is a chemical free formula that desensitises pollen and grass allergies giving you a better chance to enjoy the summer outside.
Benadryl Allergy Relief has coined the term Allergy Face, the look we have when our eyes are streaming, our nose is running and our face is puffy. It’s hard to keep make-up in place while experiencing hay fever symptoms but Make-up Artist, Jo Freeman, suggests using Neutrogena Hydro Boost to gently hydrate and moisturise a red sore nose, this creates a smooth base for make-up. Use a green colour corrector to neutralise the redness around eyes and nose before applying foundation and Jo advises avoiding darker eyeshadows during allergy season as these can close up eyes. Instead use a matt vanilla shade all over the lid. Apply a white eyeliner on the lower waterline to widen and brighten your eyes and switch to a waterproof mascara if you know your eyes are likely to start streaming. Create a statement lip to distract from your eyes making your lips the focus of your face, taking attention away from your visible allergy symptoms.
You can see Jo apply these tips on YouTube.
If you have any tips for hay fever symptoms please share in the comment box below.
