Cathal Barry
Advice on surviving summer allergies
It's not often you get those light bulb moments. There I was, at my desk, lost in thought pondering a topic for my next instalment of Healthy Living, when it struck me. It's summer. I'm sluggishly rubbing my irritatingly itchy eyes. The roof of my mouth is tingling. I'm sneezing.
Yep – you've probably guessed it, I have hay-fever.
I also have a blank word document and a pressing deadline. So, this article is dedicated to fellow sufferers and for those of you perhaps familiar with the symptoms from family members and from friends.
Pollen and spores are a problem in towns and cities as well as in the countryside. This is because they are small and light enough to be carried in the air over great distances during the course of the day.
Most pollen is released in the morning and rises skywards with the heat of the day. It then gets whisked overland by winds and breezes, and sinks back to earth late afternoon or early evening as the temperature starts to drop.
Although it's difficult to avoid pollens and spores completely, there are several sensible and worthwhile precautions you can take.
Indoors
- Keep doors and windows closed especially mid-morning and late afternoon to early evening. These are the times when the pollen count is usually at its highest.
- Hoover regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
- Avoid drying your clothes outside. But if you do, give them a good shake before bringing them back into the house. That way you will get rid of any pollen and spores that might have blown onto them.
- If you have been out walking or gardening, shower, wash your hair and change your clothes when you get back in. That way you won't carry spores and pollen around the house.
- Splash your eyes with cold water regularly. This will help flush out any pollen. It will also soothe and cool your eyes.
Outdoors
- Check the pollen forecast on the television or in the newspaper before venturing outside. This will give you an idea of how high or low the pollen count is in your area and whether to take necessary precaution.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses, these will help stop pollen blowing into your eyes.
- Smear Vaseline inside your nose. This can help to stop pollen and spores from settling on the lining of your nose.
- Try to avoid parks or fields, especially where there may be freshly cut grass.
- Keep your car windows closed. Some cars can be fitted with pollen filters. Ask at your local garage for further details.
- Try to avoid mowing the lawn or weeding. These activities can create clouds of pollen and spores.
If all else fails, pop into your local pharmacy and ask for all they've got!
