SCIENTISTS predict this could be the worst year EVER for hay fever thanks to an increase in so-called mutant pollen strains.
These extra-potent particles combine with other pollutants such as traffic fumes, allowing them to penetrate deeper into airways and causing greater misery for sufferers.
TV doctor Helen Wall offers advice on the best ways to beat the pollen mutant strainCredit: Getty
Increased emissions and earlier flowering seasons mean some are set to rise this summer by as much as 60 per cent.
As the issues a , here TV doctor Helen Wall offers advice on the best ways to beat the mutant strain.
STRIP OFF
showering as soon as you get home is vital if you’ve been in urban or high-traffic areasCredit: Getty
FIGHT back against mutant pollen spores by showering as soon as you get home. It’s vital if you’ve been in urban or high-traffic areas where these supercharged, troublemaking particles are most common.
Mutated pollen will adhere to your , outfits and even handbags and . So, washing it off your body and clothes is a frontline daily defence.
The spores are highly potent, especially in cities where they combine with airborne irritants such as fumes and other pollutants to cause more persistent allergic reactions.
Strip off as soon as you go indoors. Wipe shoes, coats, even pets and bags, then shower and wash your hair.
Wash bedding and towels if windows have been open. And never dry washing outside.
DOSE UP
Start taking antihistamine tablets now as preventive use may slash symptoms by 70 per centCredit: Getty
OVER-the-counter , nasal sprays and eye drops are still the most effective first-line treatments available.
Start taking them now, because preventive use may slash symptoms by as much as 70 per cent.
As pollen becomes more potent and symptoms worsen, you may need to increase the dosage or try different options, especially if you live in a city where levels are higher and air quality poor.
Some people only need a daily antihistamine, while others may need a mix of treatments for maximum relief. Ask your pharmacist or for advice.
If you are using a nose spray, ensure you are using it correctly. Don’t tip your head back and spritz – instead, tilt your head forward. This way it will coat your nasal passages properly.
EAT TO BEAT IT
Eating foods such as garlic, onion and apples will help you battle mutant spores as they have histamine-reducing propertiesCredit: Getty
BATTLE mutant spores by eating such as garlic, onion, apples and berries, which are rich in a natural compound called quercetin.
Such foods have anti-inflammatory and histamine-reducing properties, so adding them to your diet, or taking them as a supplement, could suppress stronger allergic reactions.
Zeolite is another popular natural treatment – usually consumed in the form of capsules or powder.
It’s available in food outlets and is said to lower histamine levels in the body.
Don’t be too quick to dismiss it, on the basis that there’s little clinical evidence about it.
This may be because no one has done the research studies yet, not because it doesn’t work.
NO ENTRY
Wearing a wide hats or a face mask will stop particles sticking to your face or reaching the airwaysCredit: Getty
USE “barrier layers” to physically block mutant spores from entering your body, especially when walking, running or around cities.
Obstruct obvious access points with sunglasses, a face mask, wide hat or a layer of petroleum jelly wiped around your nostrils. And close all windows, at home or on . Wraparound shades are excellent for helping to prevent spores reaching the eyes.
Hats and masks stop particles sticking to your face or reaching the airways.
Coating the nose with a thick barrier cream creates a sticky layer to trap mutant strains before they enter the nose, throat or airways.
Check the pollen forecast regularly.
If exercising, you may wish to stay inside until air quality improves.
VITAMIN C
Dosing up on oranges could help to ease hay fever reactions by lowering histamine levels and breaking down histamine fasterCredit: Getty
DOSING up on oranges is best known as a defence to beat colds – but it could also help to ease reactions by lowering histamine levels and breaking down histamine faster.
The antioxidant enzymes found in vitamin C are known to have a mild natural antihistamine effect.
This can dampen allergic reactions in the bloodstream. As well as easing typical , such as sneezing, runny nose and itching, it can reduce inflammation everywhere in the body.
Consuming vitamin C in foods such as kiwi fruit or lemons, or taking it as a supplement, offers great support for thebody’s immune system generally.
It is helpful for all-round immunity protection.
FILTER IT OUT
Use air purifiers such as Hepa filters in your home or added to your vacuum cleaner to eliminate mutant spores before you can breathe them inCredit: Getty
ELIMINATE mutant spores before you can breathe them in by using air purifiers such as Hepa filters in the home, car, office or added to your vacuum cleaner. These can make a noticeable difference, especially in polluted urban areas.
The devices trap airborne pollens and dust to eliminate them from the environment before they can trigger allergic reactions.
They are particularly effective when a specific type of spore is in season and causing symptoms, for example birch pollen currently.
Some higher-efficiency filters claim to remove as many as 99 per cent of irritants and pollutants.
They’re not cheap, but they are worthwhile when mutant strains are present and symptoms persist in the airways.
RED LIGHT
Inserting red light nasal devices into your nostrils daily could help you fight back against powerful mutant strains, above £8 from AmazonCredit: supplied
INSERTING small, hand-held, red light nasal devices (from around £8, amazon.co.uk ) into your nostrils for a few minutes daily could help you fight back against powerful mutant strains.
With the supercharged spores already proving more resistant to typical hay fever medication, these gadgets could provide useful additional daily support for worsening nose-based irritations.
Especially helpful for city dwellers, who are most likely to suffer with nasal sensitivity and inflammation, as plant, weed and tree spores stick to higher volumes of other pollutants – such as fuel fumes from busy roads – and irritate the nasal passages.
These anti-inflammatory low-level lights are aimed at easing nose symptoms only.
BUZZ OFF
Consuming condiments produced by local bees dampens the immune response to pollens in your areaCredit: Getty
A SPOONFUL of is believed to remove the sting of symptoms, and taken daily could help you battle this year’s strain.
It’s believed consuming condiments produced by local bees dampens the immune response to pollens in your area.
As it’s made from nectars growing locally, it helps to desensitise the body to the same plant blooms that trigger issues.
The honey must be unprocessed and, whether you live in the city or the country, must be made in your region – a standard supermarket jar won’t work.
Anecdotally, plenty of people find it helpful and as honey has other beneficial properties, such as soothing irritated throats or airways, it’s worth giving it a go. Preparation is key.
Start taking now to get ahead of symptoms.
What other natural remedies do doctors recommend for hayfever?
IF you don't want to take antihistamines to keep hayfever symptoms at bay, there are a number of tried and tested natural remedies you can give a go instead. Here's some of the ones doctors recommend:
Saltwater nasal sprays
Sprays containing Ectoin can both relieve symptoms and prevent them too, expert consultant adult and paediatric allergist and immunologist Professor Adam Fox explained.
Steam inhalation
Another natural remedy, which is also safe to use during pregnancy as well, is steam inhalation. This solution has been used for centuries to help ease nasal congestion, and is as helpful at reducing hayfever symptoms as it is for sinusitis or a head cold.
Wear sunglasses
Investing in a good pair of wrap around sunglasses can be vital if you struggle with hayfever, as they can help reduce the amount of pollen that gets into, and irritates, the eyes.
Clean pollen away before bed
It’s also important to ensure you’re not taking pollen from the day to bed with you. Make sure you wash your hair and clean your face and eyelashes before bed to stop allergens rubbing onto your pillow and exacerbating symptoms.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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