HAY FEVER.. RELIEF WITHOUT TEARS!

Spring .. and Summer.. are supposed to be the time when our thoughts turn to love but up to 20 per cent of us have something different to contend with: HAY FEVER. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, causing swelling in the mucus membranes, leading to a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sore throat and headache... not exactly ideal for romance!

The hay fever season has also started earlier than usual, thanks to milder weather encouraging plant growth and early flowers increasing the pollen count. Hay fever can be genetic but it seems to be on the increase, possibly because of growing air pollution. "There is data which suggests pollutants inflaming the lining of the nose and diesel exhaust make allergies worse" says Professor Jonathon Brostoff, of the Allergy Clinic at Londons Middlesex Hospital. If you are a sufferer, you should see your GP to decide which treatment suits you best. According to the British Allergy Foundation, the most common treatments are "systematic" antihistamine tablets taken orally and topical anti-allergy agents such as corticosteroids , non-steroidals and antihistamines, taken as spray or drops in the nose and/or ears.

Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, a natural chemical produced by the body in an allergic reaction and causing inflammation. Older antihistamines, such as Piriton, sometimes cause drowsiness, which can be a problem for sudents sitting exams in hay fever season but there are a number of the newer variety which will not knock you out. Your doctor can prescribe Semprex, Benadryl, Telfast and Claritin, while Zirtec is a good over the counter remedy.

Specific symptoms, such as itchy eyes and a runny nose can be treated with eye drops and nasal sprays. Beconase nasal spray is recommended and Opticrom is an effective anti-inflammatory eye drop. Some people resort to alternative methods, such as acupuncture, homeopathy and shiatsu. Although not officially recommended by the British medical profession, alternative methods of treatment can help.  Homeopathic remedies include allium cepa, sabadilla and euphrasia.   Honey can help. Bees will be feeding on the same flowers making you sneeze and four spoonfuls a day will act as an antidote.

Here are some other recommendations to fight hay fever:

Cut down on dairy products as they increase mucus production;  Dont sleep with windows open or drive with car windows down;  Avoid flowers in the house;  Some people put Vaseline on the lining of the nose to stop pollen getting in;  Vitamin C also acts as an anti-histamine;  Check the daily pollen count and avoid going out in the early evening when it is at its' highest; Dont cut the lawn on hot sunny days;  Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen;  Use an ioniser in the bedroom;  Cats' saliva is a major allergen: wipe its coat with a damp cloth every day to reduce the problem.

For more information contact the BAF's Helpline on 0181 303 8583; Call The National Asthma Campaigns' 24 hour information line on 0171 971 0444 for a free copy of Living with Hay Fever.  The British Institute For Allergy and Environmental Therapy has a register of trained therapists. Write to it at Ffynnonwen, Natural Therapy Centre, Llangwyryfon, Aberystwyth, Cerecigion, SY23 4EY. 

Call The British Homeopathic Association on 0171 935 2163.

For a list of qualified local acupuncturists, call the British Acupuncture Council on 0181 964 0222.     

If you have any other helpful tips to help those suffering with hay fever, please contact me :    THANK YOU!

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24/03/01