Spring is almost here, which means plenty of tissue boxes for Australians who suffer from hay fever – a common complaint in spring.
Spring is often thought of as ‘hay fever season’ due to the increased pollen in the air, and although it can affect sufferers all year, as the flowers begin to bloom, and the dust dries, there’s no stopping the changing of the seasons.
Hay fever is the common term for allergic rhinitis – a condition where a person can have an allergic reaction to an otherwise generally environmental allergen. However, hay fever can also be triggered by dust mites, animal dander and mould.
Unlike viruses though, hay fever is not contagious – you can’t spread it to other people, though it can be passed down genetically through families.
According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), symptoms of hay fever include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, watering eyes, and itchy nose or eyes.
The key to preventing hay fever is reducing your contact with the allergens behind it. ASCIA recommends first to see your doctor to determine the cause of your hay fever.
Here are some ways to get around hay fever.
Pollen
You can’t remove pollen, especially during spring, but there are ways to minimise your interaction with it.
ASCIA recommends limiting time outdoors where possible during pollen season, especially on windy days or after thunderstorms.
A handy tool, people can track daily pollen levels using Melbourne Pollen, which is run by the University of Melbourne’s School of BioSciences.
If you can’t avoid the great outdoors, try avoiding activities such as lawn mowing, or shower after being exposed to pollen. Wearing sunglasses, and using recycled air in your vehicle can also help.
Mould
While mould is unpleasant to look at, it’s also hazardous. Remove visible mould, then prevent it from coming back by keeping your house well ventilated, especially in rooms where mould tends to thrive such as bathrooms and laundries.
House plants can also be overlooked culprit of mould and mould allergies, so make sure they are in a well-ventilated position, and be cautious around compost and mulch.
Dust mites
The less dust in your home, the fewer dust mites you will have.
Vacuum and dust surfaces weekly using a damp or electrostatic cloth, however ASCIA notes that vacuuming can temporarily increase the amount of dust mites in the air.
When purchasing new products for your home, think about how easily they collect dust, and consider options which can easily have dust removed. Even during renovating, think about ways you can further reduce dust collecting in your home – for example, opting for hardwood floors instead of carpet.
Pet dander
It’s not the fur of cats and dogs that can cause people to start sniffling, it’s the sweat and saliva.
Sadly, the best way to combat allergic rhinitis caused by pet dander is to rehome the pet. But for many people, that’s not an option, so reducing where the pet can be within the house can help.
And don’t forget – speak with your doctor about any symptoms before seeking out treatment for hay fever.
