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 upon us: something that affects about 20% of the Dutch population. Chances are, you or someone around you is affected. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce 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 Learn 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 certain pollen are most active. Keep track of when you are most affected, and you will learn which pollen you are sensitive to and which you are not.
February: Hazel and Alder
March: Hazel, Alder, Goat Willow, Yew, and Greater Foxtail
April: Goat Willow, Yew, Birch, Beech, English Oak, Ash, Greater Foxtail, and Sweet Vernal Grass
May: Yew, Birch, Beech, English Oak, Ash, Small Grassweed, Greater 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 Ointment
Apply a greasy cream or petroleum jelly around your nostrils. This can help trap some of the pollen before they enter your nose, potentially reducing sneezing and the itchy feeling in your nose.
Tip 3 Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses can help prevent pollen from getting into your eyes, which might reduce itchy eyes and also give 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 on keeping your gut flora healthy.
Tip 5 Head to the Coast
In need of a pollen-free day? Head to the coast. There are few to no pollen by the sea, making it the perfect way to give your body a break from sneezing.
Looking for products to support you during hay fever season? Check out these hay fever remedies.
Written by: Caya Kerkhof
