How can I live with hay fever?

The best way to avoid symptoms is to avoid pollen. Many people with hay fever will dread leaving the house in case their symptoms flare up. But there are ways of enjoying the outdoors and holidays without symptoms.

If you can, take holidays abroad or in a different part of the country. There might be different species of grass there, which will have different pollens to which you might not react. It is important that you carry your medications with you as well. If you are in a car, keep the windows closed and use the air conditioning or a fan for cooling instead. Wearing sunglasses, especially wrap around sunglasses, can help keep pollen out of your eyes and can help reduce eye symptoms, and some vaseline around your nostrils can catch the pollen before it gets inside your nasal cavity and sets off your symptoms. You can also wear filter masks – although you might look odd walking around in public wearing one, especially if you have to interact with other people! Filter masks are cheap and easy to obtain, and can prevent pollen entering your nose and mouth. Air filters can also be purchased for your home, but such measures might not be necessary.

Pollen can cling to hair and clothes. Wash your “outdoor clothes” when you get in and change into your “indoor clothes.” Your indoor clothes shouldn't be worn outside and your outdoor clothes need to be washed as soon as you get inside to prevent pollen getting into the house. Do not leave clothes to dry outside on a washing line, use an indoor line or a dryer instead. You could also have a shower when you get inside to wash pollen out of your hair and off your skin – washing your hands can remove any pollen on them.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, such as gardening or hiking, try scheduling them on days and times when the pollen count is low. Make the most of such times as well. People who enjoy gardening might need to wear a filter mask, as some activities (especially cutting grass) can release large amounts of pollen into the air. Early mornings and evenings are the best time to avoid pollen. Hypoallergenic grasses, which have been genetically modified to not cause allergies, have been developed, but are not yet on the market.

Allergies Treatment Guide Index:

• What is hayfever?
• What are the signs and symptoms of hay fever?
• Can hay fever cause major problems in a person's life?
• How is hay fever diagnosed?
• How is hay fever managed?

• Is there a cure for hay fever?
• How can I live with hay fever?
• What is oral allergy syndrome?
• What is perennial allergic rhinitis?