There are many ways hayfever can be triggered, and one common drink may be making your allergy symptoms even worse according to an expert – and here’s how you can help
Hayfever can be the bane of your life during the summer – and there may be on common drink making it that much worse.
According to experts, if you are suffering with dry or itchy eyes in the sun, it may be down to your morning cup of coffee. With nearly half of the UK population suffering from allergic rhinitis, finding relief from itchy, watery eyes is more important than ever.
Neil Laird, specialist optometrist at Pure Optical, has revealed how the caffeine may be to blame for your stinging eyes – and how you can get around skipping your cup of joe and help manage your symptoms much easier.
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The warmer weather may bring sunshine and blooming flowers, but for nearly half of the UK population are suffering from hay fever. It can bring on sneezing fits, scratchy throats, and relentless eye irritation that can make everyday activities feel unbearable. Nearly half the UK population (49 per cent) has reported suffering from hay fever, according to the charity Allergy UK.
“Pollen triggers an allergic response that causes the body to release histamine, leading to inflammation, redness, and excessive tear production. For many, this isn’t just a mild irritation, it can be downright debilitating,” the expert said.
According to Laird, caffeine can “increase histamine level” meaning your morning cup of coffee could be making your symptoms worse. He advised switching to herbal tea or decaf coffee could help keep your eyes calmer during peak hayfever season.
Meanwhile, one overlooked activity has been found to reduce hay fever symptoms. Scientists from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, found that moderate exercise reduced allergies too. The study’s authors argued: “Allergic rhinitis is a significant cause of widespread morbidity, high medical treatment costs, reduced work productivity, can affect a patient’s quality of life and can be associated with conditions such as fatigue, headache, cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance.”
However, there are methods to ensure your exercise routine is as pollen-proof as possible. Guidance from King’s College Hospital in London stated that pollen count is higher in the early morning when plants first shed pollen. On hot days, pollen can then surge again in the evening.
You can also use apps such as My Pollen Forecast and the Met Office’s pollen forecast to monitor the pollen count for up to five days. Whether you’re working out at the gym or outside, take a shower as soon as you can when you get home.
Washing off the pollen is key to minimising allergic reactions. Make sure to also wash your hair as pollen can land in it and then irritate you until it’s washed again.
The Thai study recommended ditching high-intensity exercises for more moderate workouts. Going full throttle with intense, exhaustive physical activity can set off stress reactions, inflammation and histamine levels, making symptoms worse. Instead, opt for gentler activities such as yoga, light strength training or a brisk walk.
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