Pollen counts are forecast to be high for 4 of the next 5 days in the North West. “Warm, dry and sunny weather are perfect conditions for trees to distribute their pollen,” says airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balms, Max Wiseberg. “And as April is peak tree pollen season, the warm weather predicted for this week is set to trigger a huge pollen explosion across the North West region – not good news for the average hay fever sufferer.”

“Around 25% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to tree pollen,” continues Max, “and for them the peak hay fever season is about to start, with a vengeance. We had a taster a couple of weeks ago with high and very high pollen counts in the region. And with the weather forecast to continue the same for the rest of this week, these ‘high’s are set to continue.”

“So what can hay fever sufferers do apart from stay indoors or put up with their symptoms? Quite a lot, actually. You can stop the pollen getting in your body in the first place, minimise the amount of pollen in and around your home, eat and drink for your hay fever, as well as take one of a number of conventional treatments and remedies to help deal with the symptoms once they occur. Or you can use them all by creating your own Hay Fever First Aid Kit.”

“Here are my 5 handy tips to lessen the effects of tree pollen and help you enjoy your garden or the great outdoors this week.”

“Stop pollen getting in your body. If the pollen doesn’t get in, there’s nothing to react against. The best way to trap the pollen is to use an allergen barrier balm such as HayMax, around your nostrils and bones of the eyes. HayMax has been proven to trap over one third of pollen [1]. And when you are outdoors, wear wraparound sunglasses, tie up long hair and wear a cap or other head cover to help stop pollen getting in your eyes and caught in your hair.”

“Stop pollen getting in your home. Keep doors and windows shut, especially during the day. Remove shoes at the door when returning home, so you don’t tread pollen around your home. Vacuum regularly, including upholstery and fabrics such as curtains, and damp dust surfaces (damp dusting prevents pollen being redistributed into the air. If you have a pet keep it well groomed to remove pollen from its fur.”

“Eat and drink for your hay fever. Several foods contain a substance called quercetin, a natural antihistamine. The body’s reaction to too much pollen is to produce histamines and too many histamines are the cause of hay fever symptoms. So antihistamines counteract the effects of the histamines. Good sources of quercetin include red onions, cherry tomatoes, kale, broccoli, apples and blueberries. Avoid chocolate and alcohol, as these contain histamine, and alcohol also dehydrates you, making symptoms seem worse. Avoid dairy drinks as they are mucus-producing – exactly what you don’t need. Drink water or herbal teas instead – calendula, chamomile, ginger, peppermint and green teas are all reputed to relieve hay fever symptoms.”

“Take a natural or conventional remedy. There are several conventional remedies available, including antihistamine tablets and capsules, nasal sprays and eye drops. Antihistamines anti- the histamines, nasal sprays help relive nasal symptoms, whilst eye drops help with watery, streaming and sore eyes. Natural versions are available – quercetin in tablet or capsule form, saline nasal washes and natural eye drops which contain a herb called Euphrasia (more commonly known as Eyebright).”

“Try all four – and create your own Hay Fever First Aid Kit. Natural and conventional remedies and treatments can be complementary to each other. My ideal Hay Fever First Aid Kit would consist of an allergen barrier balm, one (and only one) antihistamine, one (and only one) steroid nasal spray, eye drops and one or more other natural product.”

“So, there you have it – a few simple ways to help prevent, reduce or deal with hay fever symptoms caused by tree pollen. If you would like more ideas on dealing with symptoms, visit my Hay Fever Guide at www.haymax.biz/hay-fever.”