Now we don’t want to be dramatic, but it seems as if the weather gods have dropped a hay fever bomb on our country. The sneezing and sniffling is worse than ever this year, and although we usually welcome summer with open arms, hay fever sufferers yearn for rain. But what else can you do – besides hoping for a downpour – to reduce symptoms?
Many complaints
We thought we were being so dramatic by stating that a hay fever bomb has been dropped, but it’s not even that theatrical. Experts warned of a pollen explosion a few weeks ago. This year the complaints are worse than ever. This is because we have had a wet and warm spring and we are currently dealing with a lot of drought.
In case of extreme complaints, it can help to consult a doctor. They can prescribe medication for you. For milder complaints, the medicines that are freely available at the drugstore can also offer solace – think of pills, nasal spray and eye drops. It can also help to follow the tips below.
1. Be prepared
Be well prepared when you will be outside for a long time and keep an eye on the current pollen situation in the Netherlands. You can easily do that on websites like www.pollennieuws.nl of www.hooikoortsradar.nl. Here you can search for an indication of the flowering period per tree, grass and herb species, and thus estimate when you may suffer from hay fever.
2. Keep the windows closed
Even if you don’t walk through a forest or a flower field, you can unfortunately suffer from hay fever complaints. Are you indoors? Preferably keep the window closed. This way the pollen can’t get inside and you don’t have to sneeze all the time. Only air your house in the early morning, when the least pollen is floating in the air. You can also choose to install special pollen screens. They are generally quite effective, but can be quite expensive.
3. Keep the Vaseline handy
If you suffer from dry lips or dry skin, you probably have a jar of Vaseline at home. This slippery substance is also a godsend for hay fever. Smear a little Vaseline in your nostrils to prevent the pollen from entering your nose. That way they stick to the spread. You can also rub it around your nose to treat a sore, red nose.
4. Take a cold shower
Do you keep sneezing and your eyes are redder than red? Then there is sometimes nothing better than taking a cold shower to rinse off all the pollen. The cold rays immediately provide relief and also keep you sneeze-free afterwards. Not near a shower? Then lie down with a cold cloth on your face for a few minutes.
5. Use old tea bags for puffy eyes
Reuse your tea bags by putting them in the refrigerator and then placing them on your eyes. Ideal if you suffer from dry, swollen or itchy eyes. By the way, pieces of cucumber also work very well.
6. Wear a face mask and/or sunglasses
It may help to wear a mask or sunglasses. This way you prevent pollen from ending up directly in your nose or mouth. Do you want to be completely protected? Then wear sunglasses that are close to your face.
7. Walking, cycling or running? Do that before ten o’clock in the morning
Would you like to enjoy the beautiful weather and go for a walk or bike ride? Understandable. However, it is best to do this early in the morning, preferably before ten o’clock. Then the pollen concentration is a lot lower than the rest of the day. And maybe not as nice as the sun, but the pollen concentration in the air is also lower during and just after a rain shower. Or go to the sea for a day, where you have a lot less problems with pollen. And getting a breath of fresh air on the beach is of course no punishment.
8. Avoid certain substances
Pollen are the main culprits, but there are certain substances that can make your hay fever symptoms worse. Therefore, stay away from cigarette smoke, paint, hair spray, chlorine, ammonia, exhaust fumes and perfume. It is also better to avoid scented flowers or plants.
Source: NOS, Tip and Facts | Image: Dominika Roseclay (Pexels)
2023-06-23 13:14:12
#slightly #reduce #hay #fever #complaints
