What is Hayfever?
Hayfever is a seasonal illness which affects around 20% of the population in Great Britain, it is also referred to as allergic rhinitis. The sufferer has an allergic reaction to the pollen which causes inflammation and irritation to the lining of the eyes, nose and throat.
How long does it last?
The hayfever season can start as early as February and ends in September, depending which pollens an individual is sensitive to, their discomfort could last a few weeks or the whole season. Theere are three types of pollens, grasses, trees or nettle/weeds.
Grass Pollen May – July
Tree Pollen Feb – June (depending on the type of trees)
Nettle/Weed Aug – September
What are the symptoms?
These vary and an individual can be affected by one or all of them:-
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Runny or itchy nose
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Runny or itchy eyes
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Itchy throat, palate or ears
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Repeated sneezing
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Loss of concentration
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Generally feeling unwell
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Wheezing
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Headaches
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Tiredness and lethargy
What can I do to reduce the symptoms?
Apart from taking medication, you can reduce the symptoms by taking the following precautions:-
- Monitor the pollen count in your area and remain in doors if possible when the count is high
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Wear sunglasses as they prevent the pollen having direct access to your eyes
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When driving, keep windows closed to prevent pollen entering the car and use the air conditioning
- Keep windows and doors closed, during mid morning and evening when pollen count is higher
- Dry clothes indoors to prevent pollen from resting on your clothes.
- Stay indoors when people are mowing their lawn and ask someone else to mow yours.
- Don’t lie on freshly cut grass or go out into the fields and parks when pollen count high
What medication can I take?
There are both herbal and conventional medication that can be taken. Conventional medication provides more or less immediate relief once taken but herbal medication may need to be taken for a period before the hay fever season commences.
Conventional Treatments
- Antihistamine tablets
- Nasal sprays
- Nose drops
- Decongestant tables
Non conventional treatments
- Bach Flower Remedies
- Homeopathy – to find the right remedies it is best to consult a homeopathist
- Herbal Teas such as Chamomile, Goldenrod, Lemon Balm and Dandelion
What else can I do?
There are many other holistic treatments that can provide some relief to the symptoms of hay fever such as:-
Nutrition – food allergies can increase symptoms in people affected by hay fever. Some people find that by eliminating milk and diary products from their diet which can increase the production of mucus in the body, the hay fever symptoms are reduced
Hopi Ear Candles – the heated candle creates a gentle flow of warm circulating air which softens and massages the inner ear and the facial massage helps to reduce other symptoms such as ear, nose, throat and headaches
Facial massage to stimulate the removal of mucus around the ears, nose and throat
Aromatherapy Massage – massage has many benefits, firstly it relaxes your body which is tense and stressed from protecting itself. Secondly improves blood circulation which increases the delivery of nutrients to the body and the removal of waste products. Add this to an aromatherapy massage which uses oils with beneficial properties for specific ailments such as:-
Lavender – clears congestion, soothes respiratory and throat problems and boosts the immune system
Cedarwood – clears congestion and as an expectorant clears mucus
Peppermint – clears sinuses therefore improving breathing
Reflexology – the reflexologist would focus on specific pressure points to improve the respiratory and circulatory systems of the body and particular attention to the sinuses, nasal, throat and ear pressure points
Indian Head Massage – a massage that concentrates on the shoulders, head and face, incorporating specific movements to alleviate sinus and aching eyes, neck and shoulders
Yoga – specific exercises within yoga are excellent for increasing breathing and the immune system.
Visit www.phtherapies.org for more information
