Top Tips to Help with Hay Fever
Here at Banjo HQ, we have noticed that hay fever is affecting more and more of our family and friends so we wanted to share a few tips to help you get through this season!
Did you know that hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, which is a fine powder from plants? It happens typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat! Hay fever is very common amongst children, especially because they tend to be outdoors a lot and exposed to pollen. There are three types of pollen that can trigger symptoms: grass pollen, tree pollen and weed pollen. Children may be allergic to one or more types which can be a nightmare to manage when your little ones are having so much fun outside, so here are a few pointers to help:
Keep an eye on the pollen forecast
When it’s high, avoid spending long periods on green and grassy areas that may aggravate symptoms. Rain washes pollen from the air so the pollen count should be lower on cooler, wet days.
Understand when in the year it may affect your child/you
Tree pollen is typically high in March and April. Grass pollen reaches its peak in May to July. Weed pollen comes later in June to August. It’s a long time to be suffering – but remember, one of those types might affect you more than others!
Change and wash your clothes
This may seem like an obvious one but, changing and washing your clothes after a day outdoors helps to reduce the amount of pollen you bring back into your home. Do you have clothes hanging out to dry? This will attract even MORE pollen and will be brought back into your home, so dry indoors. As well as washing your little one, shower or bathe yourself as they may be inhaling the pollen through your clothes and hair!
Keep the windows shut during the day in the house and the car
Especially in your bedroom. This limits your exposure to pollen when inside and helps your little ones sleep better at night. This is especially important at the worst times of day (early morning and 5pm – 7pm!).
Perhaps you can get an air purifier?
They effectively trap the pollen particles in the room and means everyone will be more comfortable at home!
Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
This keeps airborne pollen away from sensitive eyes!
Dot a barrier balm around the nose
This traps pollen before it gets up the nose, and can be used from birth so its a great trick to know!
Soothe eyes
By gently wiping with cotton wool soaked in cold water.
Limit the amount of time the kids spend outside playing
Try to entertain them indoors on days when the pollen count is high or it’s windy.
Go to the seaside!
Instead of going to the countryside for days out, opt for a visit to the coast as pollen counts are lower. Yay! A day at the beach!
Have you got your own feline friend?
Try to brush them outside before they enter your home and wipe them down with a damp towel. They’ll love it!
Spoonful of honey
A daily spoonful of local honey is something many hay fever sufferers swear by. Yummy!
Hopefully all of these tips will help but, if you’re really struggling, please speak to a pharmacist or a GP.
Enjoy the sunshine as safely as you can, from all of us at Banjo HQ! x
