“With warm, fine, dry weather forecast this week, the first high and very high grass pollen counts of the season in the North West is forecast for this week,” says airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, Max Wiseberg. “Pollen forecasts are high for tomorrow and Thursday and very high on Wednesday and Friday. This is the first peak of the grass pollen season, so here are my 9 pearls of wisdom for hay fever sufferers this summer, including my ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’ if things get really bad.”

“Hay fever is a result of our immune system’s overreaction to innocuous allergens such as pollen. The body’s reaction to pollen is to produce histamines. Normal amounts of histamines in your brain are good – they keep you alert, attentive and awake. But, when there are too many in your body, they produce the various symptoms common to hay fever sufferers including sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, watery eyes, streaming eyes, swollen eyes and an itchy nose and throat.”

“My nine pillars of wisdom for hay fever sufferers this summer are:”

“Begin by applying an allergen barrier balm such as HayMax. Apply around the rim of the nostrils and bones of the eyes first thing in the morning and before you go to bed, and as needed during the day to stop pollen getting in your body – less pollen, less reaction. HayMax organic drug-free allergen barrier balm (haymax.biz) has been proven to trap over one third of pollen before it enters the body [1].”

“Use an antihistamine, nasal spray or eye drops. Antihistamine tablets work by counteracting the affects of the histamines. Some are available over the counter from pharmacies, whilst others are available only on prescription. Antihistamine nasal sprays can quickly ease itching, sneezing and watering. Steroid nasal sprays and drops reduce inflammation in the nose; they work best for clearing nasal symptoms – itching, sneezing, watering and congestion – and sprays sometimes clear eye symptoms too. Eye drops may help reduce itchy, watering or swollen eyes.”

“Create your own ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’. Many natural and conventional products can be complementary to each other. So if one helps, but doesn’t do the whole job, you may be able to try others at the same time and get a better result. In other words, create your own ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’. However, never take 2 anti-histamines together, never take 2 steroid nasal sprays together, and consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are already taking any other medication, you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if the sufferer is a child. I suggest that your ideal ‘Hay Fever First Aid Kit’ consists of an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm, one or more other natural products, only one antihistamine, only one nasal spray and eye drops.”

“Reduce the amount of airborne allergens around the home. Ensure that you vacuum floors and carpets regularly, as well as fabrics and upholstery such as curtains and sofas. And damp dust surfaces – damp dusting helps stop pollen being dispersed back into the air.”

“Next, reduce the amount of pollen getting in your home. Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out. When you get back home after being outdoors, remove your shoes at the door so you don’t tread pollen around. And if you change your clothes after being out, this will further reduce the amount of pollen you bring back indoors. If you have a pet, make sure you keep it clean and well groomed to help remove the pollen that collects in its fur when it’s outdoors. And keep it out of your bedroom and off sofas and upholstery.”

“Stop pollen getting in your hair and eyes when outdoors. Tie up long hair and wear a hat, cap or other head cover to help stop pollen particles being caught in your hair. Wear wraparound sunglasses – not only will this protect your eyes from the sun, but will help stop pollen particles getting in your eyes. And apply an allergen barrier balm around the sockets of your eyes to help trap pollen.”

“Try a natural remedy. Natural antihistamines are also available in capsule form, such as quercetin and butterbur. You can also buy saline nasal rinses and natural eye drops containing a herb called Euphrasia (or Eyebright). This helps relieve inflammation and swelling and is thought to be a helpful allergy relief remedy.

“Get plenty of exercise. According to the NHS website, a study of over 2,000 people with hay fever by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), found that lifestyle factors, such as stress and exercise, can have a major impact on hay fever. You should try to do two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week, such as fast walking, cycling or water aerobics. Obviously you should avoid exercising – or even being – outdoors when the pollen count is highest, generally first thing in the morning and early evening.”

“Eat and drink for your hay fever. Many foods contain the natural antihistamine, quercetin. Red onions, cherry tomatoes, kale, broccoli, apples and blueberries contain the highest amounts. Aloe Vera also has mild antihistamine properties; you can drink the juice diluted in water. Avoid dairy drinks, as they are mucus-producing; excess mucus is exactly what you don’t need if you suffer from hay fever. Drink water or herbal tea instead – ginger and green tea both work as natural antihistamines, whilst peppermint helps reduce congestion.”

“This is just a brief description of some of lifestyle changes and hay fever treatments and remedies available, both conventional and natural and drug-free. Take a look at my website www.haymax.biz/hay-fever for more ideas, information and advice”