Having hay fever and other allergies mean that you are allergic to pollen, fungal spores or some other kind of foreign substance. These are allergens, substances that can cause an allergic reaction. Your allergic reaction happens when your body's immune system mistakes the allergen for a harmful invader, causing irritating and uncomfortable symptoms in some people.
Allergies are extremely widespread and affect approximately one in four of the population in the UK at some time in their life. There is a wide range of allergies from minor ones such as hayfever to more immediate ones that require urgent medical attention, such as nut allergies. Each year the numbers of allergy sufferers are increasing by 5% with as many as half of all sufferers being children.
Practically anything can be an allergen, here are some common ones:
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House dust mites
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Pollen from trees and grasses
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Animals such as cats and dogs
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Insects such as wasps and bees
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Milk
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Eggs
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Nuts
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Fruit
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Latex
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Penicillin and some other drugs
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Sneezing
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Wheezing
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Sinus pain
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Runny nose
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Coughing
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Nettle rash / hives
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Swelling
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Itchy eyes, ears, lips throat & palate (roof of mouth)
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Shortness of breath
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Sickness vomiting, & diarrhoea
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Increase in secretions
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Homeopathy has traditionally been used to help with symptoms such as inflamed, watering, streaming and itching eyes and nose. The homeopathic remedy Euphrasia, as contained in Nelsons Pollenna natural hay fever and allergy relief tablets, can help.(Always read the label on a product.)
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Food sensitivity and health balancing - Identifying allergies to specific foods can help you avoid imbibing substances that you’re allergic to.
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Start using local honey as a sweetener in your food. Honey from your area will have a combination of pollens unique to your region. Eating this year round can help get your body used to them and may help you become less allergic as time goes by.
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Use eucalyptus oil in a steam bath to help clear nasal passages.
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Eating spicy foods can help clear nasal passages.
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Take precautions to reduce exposure to the allergens that causes your hay fever. See some examples below:
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Pollen - stay indoors, change air filters, close windows, keep windows closed while driving.
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Pet dander - avoid animals, do not pet animals, shower after being exposed to an animal.
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Dust - dust frequently, avoid very dusty places, clean air filters.
† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.
∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.
UK & Ireland 