What You Can Do About Hay Fever
Are the tickles in your throat, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing starting to return? The hay fever season is approaching: something that affects about 20% of the Dutch population. There's a good chance that you or someone you know is affected. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to alleviate your symptoms. In this blog, we share 5 tips.
Want to learn more about hay fever? Read this blog to find out exactly what hay fever is.
Tip 1 Understand what triggers your symptoms
Hay fever is caused by pollen from various trees, grasses, and plants. Not everyone is affected by the same pollen, and the time of year when you experience the most symptoms can vary. The overview below briefly shows when different pollen are most active. Keep track of when you experience the most symptoms, and you will naturally learn which pollen you are sensitive to or not.
February: Hazel and Alder
March: Hazel, Alder, Goat Willow, Yew, and Meadow Foxtail
April: Goat Willow, Yew, Birch, Beech, English Oak, Ash, Meadow Foxtail, and Sweet Vernal Grass
May: Yew, Birch, Beech, English Oak, Ash, Small Grassweed, Meadow Foxtail, Sweet Vernal Grass, Rye, and Meadow Grass
June: Small Grassweed, Sweet Vernal Grass, Rye, Meadow Grass, Couch Grass, and Maize
July: Small Grassweed, Mugwort, Sweet Vernal Grass, Rye, Meadow Grass, Couch Grass, and Maize
August: Mugwort, Ragweed, Meadow Grass, Couch Grass, and Maize
September: Mugwort, Ragweed, and Meadow Grass
October: Meadow Grass
Tip 2 Apply some balm
Apply a thick cream or petroleum jelly around your nostrils. This helps to trap some of the pollen before they enter your nose, potentially reducing sneezing and that tickly feeling in your nose.
Tip 3 Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses can prevent pollen from getting into your eyes. This might reduce itchy eyes and also gives you a summery look.
Tip 4 Maintain good gut health
A large part of our immunity is located in the gut. When our gut health is in order, it strengthens the immune system and enhances the body's ability to combat allergic reactions. Improving your gut health might reduce your hay fever symptoms. Want to work on your gut health to see if it helps you? Read this blog about maintaining a healthy gut flora.
Tip 5 Head to the coast
Need a pollen-free day? Go to the coast. There are few to no pollen present by the sea, making it the perfect way to give your body a break from sneezing fits.
Written by: Caya Kerkhof
