Hay Fever Symptoms & Tips
According to the NHS, 1 in every 5 people will have Hay Fever at some point in their lives. This common allergy, also known as Allergic Rhinitis, affects up to 26% of people in Ireland. So, what are the main hay fever symptoms and how can you protect your family on high pollen count days? Read on for some useful tips.
What causes Hay Fever?
Hay fever is a common allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees, flowers, and weeds. It’s often referred to as ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’. There is also ‘allergic rhinitis’ which is caused by dust mites, pet dander and mould spores and occurs all year round.
What are the main Hay Fever symptoms?
Hay fever symptoms are triggered when the body generates antibodies to fight off irritants such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mould spores. This can result in the following symptoms:
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy throat
- Watery, red eyes
- Sneezing fits
- Blocked or runny nose
- Headaches due to blocked sinuses
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
When the pollen count is high, these symptoms can increase in intensity.
Who does hay fever affect?
Seasonal pollen allergies can occur in children as young as 2 years old all the way up to adults.
For babies under 1 year, symptoms of hay fever are rare, but pollen and allergies can impact children’s quality of sleep. Minimising irritants in the air can help to reduce hay fever symptoms and ensure better sleep.
Here are some tips on how to minimize pollen and other irritants in the home.
- Watch the weather to get the pollen count for the day. Warm, dry days are often high pollen count days, while cooler, wet days are low.
2. If it’s a high pollen count day, you may want to keep your windows closed.
3. Avoid cutting the grass on high pollen count days.
4. Avoid hanging clothes out to dry on high pollen count days.
5. Vacuum often to eliminate pollen, dust, and other irritants.
6. Invest in a good Air Purifier for your home. The ClevaMama Air Purifier has a HEPA13 medical grade filter which can remove 99.95% of airborne allergens.
7. Wash faces and hands after being outdoors to remove pollen particles.
8. Use a dab of Vaseline or other cream just under the nostrils to trap pollen particles and prevent them being inhaled. This is a particularly good tip for little ones who can’t be given antihistamines.
9. Humidify the air in your child’s room with a ClevaMama Salt Lamp & Humidifier. Diffusing moisture into the air helps to trap particles of pollen and dust.
Remember: NEVER give antihistamines to children under 2 years old.
Next article: Tips & tricks to beat airborne allergens
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