SNEEZING, a runny nose, an itchy throat and eyes – we know to expect these symptoms when hay fever season rolls around.
But many Brits react to higher tree and grass pollen counts in other strange ways.
An earache could be a sign that you’re suffering from hay fever
Most of us would typically associate the seasonal allergies with the following symptoms:
sneezing and coughinga runny or blocked noseitchy, red or watery eyesitchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
But you could also experience hay fever in the following five surprising ways, according to the NHS.
loss of smellpain around your temples and foreheadheadacheearachefeeling tired
If you’re asthmatic, you might wheeze or cough, feel short of breath or notice a tight feeling in your chest, the NHS added.
Research commissioned by Olbas found that itchy, red, or watery eyes the were most common symptoms experienced by the 1,500 adults polled(68 per cent), followed by a blocked nose (67 per cent) and frequent sneezing (66 per cent).
But 60 per cent reported struggling with severe symptoms such as earache (18 per cent), facial pain (19 per cent) and even losing their sense of smell entirely (22 per cent).
Rizwan Ali, pharmacist at Rowlands Pharmacy, said there were three ways to deal with nasty hay fever symptoms.
Avoid pollen as much as possible
Rizwan told The Sun: “One of the best ways to protect yourself from hay fever is staying indoors and keeping windows closed in homes and cars as much as possible when pollen levels are high.”
Hay fever typically starts in late March and can last into September, according to the Met Office.
Trees typically shed their pollen until mid-May, but the pollen count from grass tends to spike as soon as the tree pollen count wanes, lasting till July.
Meanwhile, weed pollen typically covers the end of June to September.
“If you’ve been outdoors, be sure to shower and change your clothes afterwards to avoid bringing any excess pollen into your home,” the pharmacist advised.
You may need to take one antihistamine per day to keep on top of hay fever symptoms, he added.
Protection is key
“Another basic but simple piece of advice worth following is to wear glasses or sunglasses throughout the months where your hay fever affects you most,” Rizwan said.
You can also avoid pollen particles getting caught in your hair by tying up long hair or wearing a hat.
“You can also put a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your nostrils in the morning, day, and night to trap pollen and alleviate troublesome symptoms, and this may help you to get a better night’s sleep, too.”
Get advice on which products to use
“If you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, it’s always best to speak to your local pharmacist to see if you require a different treatment,” Rizwan noted.
They might point you in the direction of oral antihistamines or eye drops and nasal sprays, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing.
A pharmacist will also be able to answer questions about whether some products cause drowsiness, which are best for what symptoms, product combinations that address a collection of ailments, and drug-free options.
The NHS also advised you:
keep windows and doors shut as much as possiblevacuum regularly and dust with a damp clothbuy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter Read More