Effective Ways to Manage Hay Fever Symptoms

Spring is in full force, and so is the annual misery for the millions of hay fever sufferers across the country. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is a major trigger, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion that can disrupt daily life. 

For many people, hay fever isn’t just a seasonal nuisance, it can impact work, school performance, and even lead to more serious conditions like asthma. 

That’s why NHS Greater Manchester is sharing advice on how to spot hay fever symptoms and the simple ways to help manage them – so sufferers can still make the most of all that the spring and summer seasons have to offer…

Symptoms

Symptoms of hay fever are often confused with those of a cold, but the big difference is that hay fever symptoms are usually worse between March and September – especially when it’s warm, humid and windy when the pollen count is at its highest.

Symptoms of hay fever include:

• sneezing and coughing
• a runny or blocked nose
• itchy, red or watery eyes
• itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
• loss of smell
• pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
• headache
• feeling tired

How To Combat Hay Fever

There’s currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it, but you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high. Here are some simple tips for coping with hay fever and seasonal allergies:

Check Pollen Counts Daily

Monitor local pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors on high-pollen days, especially in the morning and early evening when levels tend to peak. Use the new Met Office pollen website to get pollen forecasts for five days ahead across the whole of the UK.

Keep Windows Closed

Reduce pollen exposure by keeping windows and doors shut at home and in the car.  

Reduce Pollen Exposure

When you do need to go outside, put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen, wear sunglasses to limit pollen exposure to your eyes, and a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes. 

Change Clothes and Shower After Being Outdoors

Pollen can cling to your hair, skin, and clothing. Rinsing off and changing into fresh clothes after spending time outside can help prevent symptoms from worsening. 

Get Cleaning

Vacuum your house and car regularly and dust with a damp cloth to get rid of any pollen that might be on the surfaces.

Filters Are Your Friend
To keep your car and home as pollen free as possible, try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.

Change Clothes and Shower After Being Outdoors

Pollen can cling to your hair, skin, and clothing. Rinsing off and changing into fresh clothes after spending time outside can help prevent symptoms from worsening. 

Use Allergy Medications 

Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help control symptoms. Start taking them before pollen season peaks for maximum effectiveness. Consult a pharmacist or your GP for the best options. If after taking over-the-counter medication correctly and for a period of time and it hasn’t made a difference, speak your GP as you may need to be referred to a specialist. 

Be Aware of Other Allergies

Not all allergies are related to hayfever, some people have allergic reactions to stings from bees, wasps, and mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, cover exposed skin, and carry antihistamines if you’re prone to allergic reactions.  

Warm and damp conditions can encourage mould to grow, which can trigger allergies and make asthma worse. Keep indoor areas well-ventilated and clean damp areas regularly to prevent mould build-up. 

Don’t Suffer In Silence

If symptoms persist, don’t suffer in silence, speak to a pharmacist or your GP for the best treatment options. 

For more information about hay fever visit the NHS website or Allergy UK.