Hay fever sufferers urged to do one simple thing to beat grim symptoms
For hay fever sufferers, warm months can mean misery, but the latest gadgets could be your new best friend in the fight against allergies and it's often a satisfying solution that's overlooked
Hay fever season is in full swing, with more than 10 million people across the UK suffering from the pesky pollen allergy. Symptoms vary from a runny or blocked nose to itchy, red or watery eyes, fatigue and frequent sneezing. Symptoms are often worse from late March to September, particularly during warm, humid and windy conditions when the pollen count is at its peak.
There is no cure for hay fever, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and there's one must-do that can help and it's over overlooked.
Electronic devices such as air purifiers, fans and even vacuum cleaners, can help to manage hay fever from the comfort of your home.
Dr Mohamed Najjar of Jorja Healthcare Group explains, 'There are a number of ways that technology can help. For example, air purifiers can help reduce airborne particles, providing some relief.
'There are also devices called air quality monitors. While they don't clean the air, they alert you to problems, such as local pollen data, and some are available on smartphone apps. These indicate the levels of different types of pollen in the area by giving them a score. Some people find this useful in helping to identify the type of pollen they are allergic to.'
Katie Lilywhite, air treatment expert at AO.com, says, 'Pollen is a nuisance for anyone with hay fever, but simple steps can be taken to reduce its impact. Home comfort can be improved significantly simply by cleaning and ventilating your house to remove any unwanted particles.
'On humid days, the air can feel thicker and bring on worse hay fever symptoms. Humidity can also form mould, which makes the allergy worse. Investing in a dehumidifier can reduce the moisture in the air, meaning the air feels fresher inside your home.'
We take a closer look at the ways tech can help you combat summer sniffling.
Air purifier with HEPA filter
Alex Hudson, environmental care engineer at Dyson, advises using an air purifier, such as the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1. He says, 'Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove pollen allergens from the air, reducing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.'
Antihistamines and nasal sprays
Professor John Dickinson, head of the Exercise Respiratory Clinic, University of Kent, advises that over-the-counter remedies ought to be your first stop in tackling hay fever symptoms. He says, 'Antihistamines and nasal sprays directly target allergic inflammation and are clinically proven to relieve symptoms.' An Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device can also help remove mucus from the airway.
Filtered hoover
Your vacuum can help combat symptoms, too. Alex says, 'The Dyson Gen5 Detect features whole-machine HEPA filtration that captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mould spores. This means allergens that are picked up stay locked inside the vacuum and are not released back into the air.'
POWERbreathe
Hay fever can cause inflammation in your airways, making breathing more difficult, particularly if you also suffer from asthma or a mild respiratory condition. However, John says that using resistance based apparatus can make a difference. 'Devices like POWERbreathe, which are popular among athletes and elite footballers, can help strengthen your breathing muscles and reduce breathlessness during flare-ups, even if you have asthma,' he says.
Multitasking fan
Staying cool at night with a fan is a priority for a restful night's sleep in the summer, but it can also help with hay fever symptoms. The Midea AMS150-PBW Air Purifier Bladeless Fan (midea.com) can cool your home while removing up to 99.97% of allergens and germs. It also acts as an air purifier, and is described as 'silent yet powerful."
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