Hay fever season is fast approaching, and those who suffer from this irritating ailment are probably looking ahead with dread. Although you should be rejoicing at the thought of warmer weather, flowers in bloom, and blue skies above, you’re likely obsessing over how much sneezing you’ll be doing instead.
If you can relate, then it’s time to tackle the problem, and finding the right treatment for you is the best place to start. There are lots of options out there, and each individual will find that some work better for them than others, but here’s what we recommend…
#1: Corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops
One of the most widely effective treatments for hay fever is corticosteroids, which are usually sold in the form of nasal sprays or drops. For maximum efficiency, you should ideally begin using these around two weeks before your symptoms are likely to start, so we recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast and pollen levels. You can easily buy Avamys online if you’re looking for a good product to trial.
#2: Antihistamines
Antihistamines also work for a lot of people, and can be purchased in the form of either nasal sprays or tablets depending on your preference. They act by blocking the chemical histamine, which is released by the body as part of the allergic reaction tied to hay fever. Useful as both a preventative treatment and a way to help alleviate symptoms that have already developed, they’re definitely worth having in your medicine cupboard come spring.
#3: Salves
If you’d like to try something more topical, salves can provide relief too. Applied to the base of your nose, they work by trapping pollen so that it’s prevented from entering the body at all. Generally non-greasy and invisible, these shouldn’t leave any tell-tale signs behind, but should help to alleviate your symptoms.
#4: Honey
If you prefer to go for a herbal remedy over a medicinal one, we recommend trying a spoonful of honey. Exposing your system to pollen, it helps to desensitise the body, thus dialling down its reaction and reducing hay fever symptoms. Unprocessed honeys, like Manuka, work best, and have the added advantage of tasting good too!
If you spend every spring and summer plagued by a runny nose, sore and itchy eyes, and a tickly cough, it’s time to take control and get on top of your condition, and now you know how to. What are you waiting for? Make that all important change today.