Pollen levels remain high across much of England this week and a pharmacist has warned that two things in your home could be “secret pollen magnets”. Around 15 million people are thought to suffer from hay fever in the UK and many are plagued by symptoms even when indoors. Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson explained that your wardrobe may be partly to blame.
She said: “Your clothes, hair and even your shoes can become unwitting carriers of pollen. After spending time outdoors, these items can bring allergens into your home, leading to ongoing exposure, even when you’re inside. Drying laundry outside during high pollen days can also infuse your clean clothes with tiny pollen grains. Alternatively try drying laundry indoors during peak pollen days to help minimise the amount of pollen that could fall onto clothes and bedding.”
The second thing Ms Nevinson highlighted in the home is our beloved pets. Animals can pick up pollen particles when brushing against plants outside and bring them into the home.
Ms Nevinson added: “As a nation we adore our pets, but their fur and paws can unfortunately act like magnets for pollen when they’re outside.
“As they come back in, they can deposit these allergens throughout the home, potentially triggering unexpected hay fever flare-ups.
“For pet owners, a few small changes can make a big difference. Gently wipe your pet’s fur and paws with a damp cloth after they’ve been outside and brush them regularly outdoors to minimise pollen brought into the home.
“Keeping pets out of your bedroom can also help create a more pollen-free sleeping environment.”
Other measures that can help ease symptoms in the home include keeping windows closed, showering before bed and applying petroleum jelly or a specialist balm around the edge of your nostrils to trap pollen.
Staying hydrated can help to keep nasal passages moist and mucus thin, making it easier to clear, and pharmacists can offer advice on products such as antihistamines, eye drops and nasal sprays.
With some parts of England experiencing tumultuous weather, Ms Nevinson also highlighted the “thunderstorm effect”.
She said: “You might think a downpour clears the air, but severe thunderstorms can actually make hay fever worse.
“The intense weather breaks pollen grains into much smaller fragments, which can be more easily inhaled deep into the lungs.
“This phenomenon, sometimes known as ‘thunderstorm asthma’ can lead to sudden, severe symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness, even for those who usually experience only mild hay fever.
“During a thunderstorm, especially in hay fever season, it’s best to limit your exposure to pollen and stay indoors with windows and doors closed.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
