Exclusive:
With the first wave of hay fever season in full swing, a GP gives us his expert advice on how to relieve the symptoms for your children inside and outside of the house
We’re getting into peak hay fever season, with the allergic reaction to pollen affecting one in ten children.
The first wave of the year is starting, thanks to the blossoming of trees such as hazel and birch from March until May, with symptoms including frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, red, swollen or watery eyes. Thankfully, expert advice is on hand from leading GP Dr Roger Henderson, a spokesperson for natural decongestant Olbas.
“For younger children, their immune systems are still developing so they often need extra care and they may respond differently to treatments compared to adults,” he told the Mirror. If your child is a sufferer, here’s the doctor’s advice…
“Children tend to rub their eyes more, making irritation worse and a cool compress helps reduce redness and itching in a natural way,” said Dr Henderson. “Using a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils traps pollen before it can enter the nasal passages is especially helpful for children who play outside a lot too.”
When it comes to going to school, the medic recommends packing a small “allergy relief kit” in their school bag, containing tissues, wipes and a saline spray. Wearing sunglasses and a hat outdoors can help, as can regular hand washing to remove pollen from their hands. “Check the pollen forecasts each day to plan ahead, and wash their hair and change their clothes before bed to remove stubborn pollen,” said the GP.
If your youngsters prefers spending time indoors, allergens can still be found in their rooms. “An air purifier can help remove pollen from the air and damp clothes wiped over furniture and soft toys help remove trapped allergens”, added Dr Henderson. “Keep stuffed animals washed regularly, as they collect pollen and dust.”
Sadly, hay fever heightens as the weather gets warmer so sufferers could be in it for the long haul, until the end of the Summer. One in five adults are affected too and the key difference with the common cold is the impact the allergy has on your eyes, which will become itchy and watery.
Advice from the Olbas team for adults to reduce symptoms includes:
1. Limit your time outdoors when the pollen count is high and keep doors and windows closed to avoid pollen from entering your home.
2. Take a shower and wash your hair after going outside when the pollen count is high.
3. Remove house and garden plants that trigger your hay fever.
4. Put petroleum jelly on the inside of your nostrils to prevent pollen from entering your nasal passages.
5. Clean your house regularly – wear a mask, dust with a clean, damp cloth and vacuum instead of sweeping.
6. Use decongestant oils to help unblock a stuffy nose caused by hay fever.