Hay fever: Dr Sara Kayat discusses preventative techniques
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Hay fever sufferes may start experiencing symptoms in February after experts warned warm air could cause a ‘mini pollen bomb’ due to the extreme change in weather. Tree pollen allergies mainly occur between February and June. But with some shrubs and trees releasing pollen as early as January, hay fever can be triggered, and people often confuse the symptoms for those of the common cold – even Covid. Appearing on ITV’s This Morning, Dr Sara offered her top tips for preventing symptoms.
They key to preventing hay fever symptoms is getting in there early, she attested.
The difference betwen hay fever and Covid are symptoms – such as sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes – tend to be a bit more persistent, and antihistamines will help resolve symptoms.
Dr Sara recommended three ways to keep hay fever symptoms at bay.
The first way, she advised: “Avoid going out when tree pollen is high. If you need to go outside, wear sunglasses.
“If you can get the wraparound ones, it helps stop the pollen getting in.”
Secondly, she advised putting a little bit of Vaseline around the nose: “You’re not going to look ideal, but it traps the pollen from going up into the nose.”
Finally, if you’re going out and coming back home, Dr Sara recommends taking off your clothes, putting them in the wash, showering and getting yourself clean.
This is because pollen can stick to clothes and hair and has the potential to spread around your home.
If your pets are coming in and out the home, Dr Sara also suggests dusting them down with a damp cloth.
You should also look to clean surfaces regularly to get rid of any pollen remnants.
Another way to prevent hay fever symptoms is to seek over the counter medication.
Medication comes in the form of antihistamines, eye drops and nasal spray, and all three can be taken at the same time.
If these treatments don’t work, Dr Sara recommends seeing your GP.
She said: “They can give you stronger antihistamines, stronger nasal steroid sprays.
“A short course of steroids can help with inflammation.”
If these don’t work, you may be referred to an allergy clinic for imunotherapy.
Some people resort to natural remedies for hay fever – a common one being bee pollen.
But Dr Sara warned: “Bee pollen is a bit of a fad.
“Some people can get allergic reactions to that bee pollen itself.”
She also said it’s important to note people can develop allergies at any time.
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