Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: Tips for managing hayfever

ALTHOUGH the warmer weather is welcome, and the bright evenings boost the mood, this time of year can be very problematic for some – the UV level and associated sunburn is not the only measurement to keep an eye on.

Hayfever too can cause issues for a significant proportion of the public. And as climate change slowly kicks in, our hayfever season is expanding gradually, with higher pollen counts being experienced.

Are you or your children one of those who sufffer? How are you finding your symptoms so far this year?

According to a survey by the Asthma Society in Ireland, about three-quarters of those with hayfever are limited in their daily activities and experience disruption in their lives. This includes days off work or school, with almost half of those surveyed missing at least one day of work or education in the past year, while 20% missed more than three days.

Symptoms can include sneezing, itchy, blocked or runny nose, headache and even a sore scratchy throat. Eyes can be red and inflamed, or even be watery. Taste and smell can be reduced also. Overall concentration is adversely affected, and sufferers generally feel unwell. If asthma is present as well as hayfever, the two conditions in combination can be even more disruptive and challenging. This is more common than you would think, as both have an underlying immune response in the body that causes them.

Hayfever treatment can comprise of one or more of the following: antihistamine tablet or liquid, eye drops, nasal sprays. 

Pharmacists and GPs are well placed to advise on the best treatment or combination of treatments to use, based on age, symptoms, and any other medical conditions.

Prescription treatments are generally stronger than what is available over the counter if you find that what you can get in the pharmacy without a prescription isn’t sufficient. Keeping good control of asthma symptoms if present will also help with overall wellbeing.

There are many practical steps that can be tried day to day to minimise the impact of the high pollen count. Putting a number of these in place may be effective at reducing the symptoms experienced.

• Close windows and doors when pollen count is high
• Dry clothes inside to stop pollen settling on them – alternatively, shake them well outside before bringing them in, as this will help to remove some of the spores.
• Avoid pets who have been outside and my have pollen in their coats
• Avoid green areas, or places where the lawn has just been cut, where possible
• Vaseline used on the rim and just inside the nose as a barrier can prevent pollen entering and irritating the mucosal lining.
• Sunglasses will help to protect the eyes, one can get wrap-around versions that prevent any pollen getting through the sides
• Car windows should be kept closed while driving, and a pollen filter could be fitted if symptoms are becoming very problematic.
• Patting hair down with a damp cloth when coming inside can catch pollen spores that may otherwise get into the respiratory system. A full shower and change of clothes won’t always be possible, but is an even more effective way of minimising spore contact.

Hayfever is a very real issue in these summer months. Being aware that you don’t need to suffer indefinitely is important.

While symptoms may never fully disappear, there are things that can be done to help. Make sure to ask, and have that chat about what might be useful to explore, to make your day more bearable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

 Dr Michelle O’Driscoll is a pharmacist, re searcher and founder of InTuition, a health and wellness education company. Her research lies in the area of mental health education, and through InTuition she delivers health promotion workshops to corporate and academic organi sations nationally.