Pollen count today | Stay 1 step ahead of your hay fever (2024)

FAQs

How to get rid of hay fever fast? ›

Common allergens that can trigger hay fever symptoms include pollen and dust mites. Tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander) also can be allergens.

The good news is many people find their symptoms improve as they get older. Around half of people report some improvement in symptoms after several years. What's more, symptoms disappear completely in around 10-20% of people.

Try a new tea

If you like to start the day with a cup of tea, there are lots of options that will help you manage your hay fever. Try a chamomile or nettle tea to relieve your symptoms, as both have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.

Staying hydrated can help alleviate allergy symptoms by thinning mucus in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Adequate water intake also supports overall immune function, which can help the body respond better to allergens.

On an average day, pollen counts rise during the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. So the lowest pollen counts are usually before dawn and in the late afternoon to early evening.

In Los Angeles, April, May, and September are typically the months when seasonal allergies are at their peak. It's during these months that pollen counts are high, especially during the day. By late October or November, the allergy season usually comes to an end, giving residents a break from their seasonal allergies.

States with a lot of trees, grass, and weeds will have a lot of allergens. Areas in the Northeast U.S. like Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. Virginia, Kansas, and Texas have a high rate of allergens.

Both loratadine and cetirizine are effective antihistamines for managing hay fever symptoms. The main difference is that cetirizine may be slightly more potent and faster-acting, while loratadine is less likely to cause drowsiness. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and medication response.

What mimics hay fever? ›

Overview. Nonallergic rhinitis involves sneezing or a stuffy, drippy nose. It can be a long-term problem, and it has no clear cause. The symptoms are like those of hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis.

The immune system's role is to protect the body from viruses and bacteria. Hay fever is caused by the immune system becoming sensitised and overreacting to a harmless substance known as an allergen.

Grazax reduces allergic symptoms by giving you a regular fixed amount of grass pollen extract, allowing your immune system to build up tolerance to grass pollen and reduce symptoms on exposure to grass pollen during future hay fever seasons.

Aging can potentially worsen any allergy, including hypersensitivities to food, medications, insect bites, and pollen. Treatment options are more limited in older adults than in those who are younger, as allergy medications may negatively interact with ongoing medications.

Most people find relief from hay fever within a few days with medication, but they must take it continuously until the allergen is out of the air. Some people continue to have symptoms of hay fever for several weeks or months, especially if they aren't taking or can't take medication to help relieve symptoms.

A thin layer of petroleum jelly rubbed around nostrils helps prevent particles entering the nasal passage. Essential at night, it also works fantastically in conjunction with the salt water washout or nasal sprays.

Hay fever is caused by the nose and/or eyes coming into contact with environmental allergens, such as pollens (grasses, weeds or trees), dust mite, moulds and animal dander. Most people associate hay fever with spring, when airborne grass pollens are at their peak.

The first thing that hayfever sufferers should beware of is dairy produce as this can encourage the production of mucous making symptoms like a blocked nose and a runny nose worse. So, whilst hayfever season is in full swing, it may be best to avoid things like milk, yogurt and even cheese where possible.