Allergy Season: Helping You Breathe Easier
For many people, summer brings longer days, sunshine and time outdoors. For others, it also marks the start of hay fever and seasonal allergies.
Sneezing, itchy eyes, a blocked or runny nose and fatigue can make even the most beautiful summer day less enjoyable.
Understanding what causes these symptoms is the first step towards managing them.
What Is Pollen?
Pollen is a fine powder produced by grasses, trees and flowering plants as part of their reproductive cycle.
Each pollen grain is microscopic and designed to travel through the air, often carried by the wind.
For people with seasonal allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies pollen as a threat. This triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, leading to the familiar symptoms of hay fever.
Symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy nose, eyes or throat
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
- Reduced concentration
The amount of pollen in the air varies from day to day and is often highest during warm, dry and breezy weather.
Practical Ways to Reduce Pollen Exposure
Although it isn’t possible to avoid pollen completely, small daily habits may help reduce the amount brought into your home.
Consider:
- Keeping windows closed during periods of very high pollen counts, particularly in the early morning and evening when levels may be higher.
- Showering and washing your hair after spending long periods outdoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
- Changing clothes after gardening or outdoor exercise.
- Drying laundry indoors during very high pollen days, as pollen can collect on fabrics.
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors to help reduce pollen reaching your eyes.
Keep Your Home Clean
Pollen, dust and other airborne particles can settle on floors, carpets, upholstery and bedding.
Regular cleaning may help reduce indoor allergens.
Simple measures include:
- Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture regularly using a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter where possible.
- Damp-dust hard surfaces rather than dry dusting, which can redistribute allergens into the air.
- Wash bed linen weekly at around 60°C where appropriate for the fabric.
- Vacuum your mattress regularly and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Consider allergen-proof mattress and pillow protectors if allergies are persistent.
Saline Nasal Sprays
A preservative-free saline nasal spray or rinse can help wash pollen and mucus from the nasal passages.
Many people find that using a saline spray once or twice daily during allergy season helps keep the nose comfortable and may reduce irritation.
Always use the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a naturally occurring plant flavonoid found in foods such as onions, apples, berries, grapes, broccoli and capers.
It has antioxidant properties, and laboratory studies suggest it may influence the release of histamine from immune cells. Research into quercetin supplements for seasonal allergies is ongoing, but at present the evidence in humans is limited and results have been mixed. It should not be regarded as a substitute for proven allergy treatments. If you are considering taking quercetin or any supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, seek advice from your pharmacist, GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
Supporting Your Body
General healthy lifestyle habits may also help support your wellbeing during allergy season:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in colourful fruit and vegetables.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Aim for good-quality sleep.
- Exercise regularly when symptoms allow.
- Follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare professional if you have diagnosed allergies.
If your symptoms are severe, persistent, affect your sleep or breathing, or over-the-counter treatments are not helping, arrange an assessment with your GP or pharmacist. Prompt medical advice is especially important if you experience wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or swelling of the face or throat.
Important Information
The information in this journal is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Individual health needs vary. Always consult your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health, allergies or medications before starting any new treatment or supplement.
