How do I know? Nope, not the blossoms or change in weather… it’s the daily sneezing, watery/itchy eyes and running nose of my hay fever suffering children!
Pollen spreads far and wide and is nearly impossible to avoid, but if your family suffers from hay fever here are my top non-pharmaceutical tips to prevent or reduce the symptoms of hayfever:
- Keep doors and windows shut on high pollen count days (or when the grass has been cut), or if it’s windy. Don’t forget to use recirculated air in your car aircon on those days
- Where possible dry bedding (and even clothing) inside, especially on those high pollen count days
- Encourage the wearing of sunglasses to prevent pollen getting in the eyes
- Stay away from areas with freshly mown grass
- Smear a bit of Petroleum Jelly on the inside of each nostril to trap the pollen and stop it reaching the mucous membrane where it can cause inflammation
- Consider using a saline nasal spray to flush the pollens from the nostrils
If you have tried the above steps and the symptoms are interfering with life, it’s best to see a Pharmacist or Doctor to discuss the use of an appropriate anti-histamine (for symptom relief) and/or steroid nasal spray (for symptom prevention).
Happy Spring!
This article was written for information and education purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
Karyn is an Adelaide based, Registered Nurse and Trainer with 18+ years of experience dealing with the medical and first aid needs of both adults and children. She is also a Mother and has firsthand experience dealing with Asthma and Allergies/Anaphylaxis on a daily basis. These roles enable Karyn to both appreciate the first aid challenges that a Parent/Caregiver can face, and understand the importance of quality first aid training in the community. Visit her website at www.head2toefirstaid.com.au
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