Hay fever affects millions of people in the UK every year (Image: winyuu via Getty Images)
As temperatures grow more humid, winds pick up and flowers, trees and grass burst into full bloom, millions of people across the UK begin to suffer from hay fever. The condition, which affects approximately 16 to 18 million people in the UK, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances such as pollen, dust mites and mould.
The primary triggers for hay fever sufferers in the UK include tree, grass and weed pollen, which are prevalent between late March and September. Symptoms can frequently leave people feeling worn down, with persistent sneezing, a blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes and even fatigue.
Over the years, countless people have developed “sworn by” home remedies, from dabbing Vaseline around their nostrils to trap pollen, to wearing goggle-style glasses to prevent pollen from reaching their eyes.
Now, one UK-registered pharmacist, Amir Singh, has revealed a handy trick to help combat hay fever symptoms in May. He rated six hay fever “tricks” commonly used to tackle symptoms on his TikTok page @amirthepharmacist, with one method proving rather surprising.
He advised that people should consider carrying out a saline nasal rinse to help flush pollen from their nasal passages. When asked for his verdict on the method, he described it as a “10 out of 10”.
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A saline nasal rinse works by clearing out pollen, dust and other allergens from the nasal passage, reducing inflammation and thinning mucus. Amir also cautioned individuals against applying Vaseline around their nose if they smoke, as the technique could result in their nose catching fire.
He said: “Vaseline around the nose 5/10. I mean it might stop some pollen from going up your nose. If you smoke it will maybe make your nose catch fire.”
Amir also advised individuals that when faced with the choice between purchasing expensive antihistamines or cheaper alternatives, they should always opt to save their money.
Amir said: “They’ll work. Don’t pay for expensive allergy tablets. They’re all the same.”
He also dismissed the effectiveness of air purifiers and showering after venturing outside in alleviating hay fever symptoms, rating these approaches three out of ten and five out of 10 respectively.
When is hay fever season in the UK?
According to The Met Office, tree pollen appears first between late March to mid-May, and impacts approximately 25% of individuals. Most individuals are allergic to grass pollen, which has two peaks, with the season running from mid-May until July.
Weed pollen can be released at any time but the season typically spans the end of June to September. However, depending upon your location in the UK, the hay fever season will begin at different times.
There’s a later commencement and shorter season in the north of the UK, where generally there is less pollen. Urban locations have lower counts than rural areas, and inland regions have higher counts than coastal zones. In England and Wales, grass pollen typically reaches its highest levels during the first two weeks of June, followed by a secondary, lesser peak in the first two weeks of July, before gradually subsiding thereafter.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
