ST JOHN AMBULANCE: How to reduce hay fever symptoms

St John Ambulance, the nation's leading first aid charity has teamed up with the Herald and Gazette to bring you some simple, but life saving, first aid tips '“ this week: dealing with hay fever.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th May 2016, 10:00 BST
Symptoms can also be treated with over-the-counter medicationsSymptoms can also be treated with over-the-counter medications
Symptoms can also be treated with over-the-counter medications

Hay fever is a common allergic reaction triggered by pollen, and results in symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.

It usually begins in childhood, with boys being more susceptible than girls at this age, but can happen at any stage of life.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Unfortunately there is no cure for hay fever but there are things that you can do to reduce the symptoms:

• Stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut.

• Avoid cut grass.

• Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes.

• Take a shower and change your clothes when you get home can also help by removing the pollen from your body.

• Vacuum regularly, ideally using a machine with a HEPA (high-efficiency particle arresting) filter.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

• Damp dust regularly. Dusting with a wet cloth will collect the dust and stop any pollen from being spread around.

• Don’t smoke or let other people smoke in your house. Smoke will irritate the lining of your nose, eyes, throat and airways, and could make your symptoms worse.

• Don’t dry your clothes outside. This will help prevent bringing pollen into your home.

Symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If these fail to improve your symptoms, you can visit your GP who may prescribe you with steroid medication called corticosteroids.

• For those looking for quick, easily accessible first aid information, the St John Ambulance app is available free on smartphones and the website (www.sja.org.uk) offers demo videos, an interactive game, and lots of free advice. For more information about first aid courses please call 0303 003 0101.

---

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:Hay FeverFacebookTwitter