Say Goodbye to Spring Sneezes
Just when you think there can’t be anything worse that Australia’s never-ending winter, spring comes along and brings with it the worst hay fever season in a decade. According to experts, winter rains have caused increased grass growth, resulting in heightened amounts of pollen in the air in months to come. Considering 3 million Australians suffer from hay fever, spring is sure to be an uncomfortable time for either you or someone you know this year. So what can you do to cure your hay fever symptoms, or even better, prevent them before they hit?
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever is the acute inflammation of nasal passages causes by pollens or other airborne allergens such as dust mites. It comes as no surprise that springtime is the prime season for hay fever symptoms due to high counts of pollen as all the beautiful flowers blossom after the long, cold winter. These pesky symptoms include varying degrees of:
Chronic sneezing
Itchy, red eyes
Nasal mucus
Sinus congestion
And while not life-threatening, these symptoms can cause massive irritation and inconvenience your day. Which is why here at Padbury Pharmacy, we’ve decided our product of the month for October is Ethical Nutrients Hay Fever and Sinus Relief!
Remedies
Waking up to a sneezing fit isn’t the best way to start your day, so if you’re a sufferer of hay fever, it’s a good idea to always have a box of non-drowsy antihistamines on hand in the medicine cabinet. We also recommend if you’re suffering from sinus blockage that you look into a nasal spray that is now conveniently served over-the-counter. These two tools will be your most powerful weapons for stopping symptoms in their tracks so you can get on with your busy day.
Rinsing your nose with salt water otherwise known as nasal irrigation is a simple method to relieve your hay fever symptoms. Saline nasal sprays are available in store and are easily applied, however adding salt to boiled warm water to make a saline solution will achieve the same effect. This flushes out the allergens and loosens the mucus to help you breathe easier.
A steaming hot shower and change of clothes after taking a trip outdoors can also reduce your exposure to the allergens and pollen. However, if you are super sensitive your allergies are most likely triggered by indoor elements such as dust.
Prevention is always better than a cure, so it’s also a really good idea to look into preventative supplements as you’re coming into hay fever season, these will help you and your family reduce and prevent symptoms before they surface. At Padbury Pharmacy, we recommend a combination of these miracle supplements:
Horseradish
Horseradish, along with a range of other hot peppers (lovers of spice are in luck!) will help ease congestion and provide relief from a blocked nose. Not a fan of the hot stuff? Good news, dry horseradish is an ingredient of Ethical Nutrients Sinus & Hayfever relief, 1 tablet twice a day is all your body needs!
Garlic
Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory which will aid in inflamed or irritated nasal passage. It also has really great immune enhancing effects.
Vitamin C
We all know how great this vitamin is for the immune system but did you know it also has an antihistamine effect? Bioflavonoids present in citrus fruits and blackcurrants also contain powerful anti-allergy effects.
Probiotics
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that support good health and vitality. According to research, probiotics show significant promise in supporting those with seasonal allergies. While further studies must be done to determine which exact strands of bacteria are beneficial for treating allergies, certain strands have already shown promise. Ethical Nutrients Inner Health Plus is a probiotic supplement that will help support your general wellbeing, digestive health, and immunity and is available in store.
There you have it! Our remedies, prevention and top tips for stifling your sniffles this spring! We are always happy to provide further advice in store as we know that no treatment is one size fits all. Pop in and chat to us today.