Simple ways to manage hayfever symptoms without taking medication

Some of these methods won’t cost you a penny, and could be better than tablets

Hayfever, a common – and annoying – seasonal allergy, leaves many people battling constant sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. But a few simple tricks could help make high-pollen days more manageable.

The condition is triggered by pollen which is a fine powder that is released by plants. Symptoms typically flare up when it comes into contact with the mouth, nose, eyes, or throat.

According to the NHS, symptoms tend to worsen between late March and September, particularly during warm, humid, and windy weather, when pollen levels peak.

While hayfever can’t be prevented or cured, there are practical steps you can take to relieve symptoms when the pollen count rises.

In one of its tips, the health service urges people to “put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen”. You should also “wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes.”

As well as this, the NHS suggests that anyone with hayfever should:

1. Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
2. Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
3. Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
4. 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

You should not:

1. Cut grass or walk on grass
2. Spend too much time outside
3. Keep fresh flowers in the house
4. Smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
5. Dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen
6. Let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors

What are the symptoms of hayfever?

Symptoms of hay fever include:

1. sneezing and coughing
2. a runny or blocked nose
3. itchy, red or watery eyes
4. itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
5. loss of smell
6. pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
7. headache
8. feeling tired

Should I see a GP?

You should see your GP if your symptoms are getting worse. You should also book an appointment if your symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy.

The NHS explains: “The GP might prescribe a steroid treatment if you have hay fever. If steroids and other hay fever treatments do not work, the GP may refer you for immunotherapy.

“This means you’ll be given small amounts of pollen as an injection or tablet to slowly build up your immunity to pollen. This kind of treatment usually starts a few months before the hay fever season begins.”