FOR many Brits, this time of year is difficult, with hay fever symptoms plaguing millions.
Most people just try and live with the condition, stocking up on anti-histamines and nasal sprays.
The pollen count over the next few days is very high in many areas across the UK.
That means for those who struggle, red eyes and itchy skin could be on the menu.
If you're one of the Brits that just cracks on and gets on with it, suffering through a runny nose – then it might feeling like a never ending battle.
While you might just try and put up with it, one expert says there are signs that you must take action.
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Speaking to The Sun, nutritional therapist, Hannah Braye said it's best to do something about these symptoms before they get out of hand.
She said there are six things you should look out for
1. Food allergies
Hannah, who is working with BioKult said that you should take notice if you have developed food allergies – as not getting these under control could prove dangerous.
"Sometimes people who are allergic to pollen, may become allergic to certain foods.
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"This is known as cross-reactivity, where the immune system gets confused and starts reacting to similar compounds," she said.
2. Missing out
Hannah explained that for some people, hay fever can take over.
This might cause you to become isolated as the symptoms become hard to manage.
She said if you've started to miss work, school or social events due to your symptoms then it's time you sought further help.
Studies have shown that hay fever is linked to increased rates of absenteeism from work and school and poor cognitive performance, she added.
3. Other illnesses
If you or your family suffer from issues like eczema or asthma then it's important to get your allergies under control, Hannah said.
"These conditions share common genetic and environmental predisposing factors and certain immunologic features to hay fever, and often tend to run in families.
"The presence of one atopic condition increases the risk for developing others."
"If hay fever symptoms "move down" into the lungs, after several years they can also develop into allergic asthma."
What can I do about my hay fever?
If you’re struggling and any of these points sound like you – then it’s time to act.
Hannah explained that as hay fever relates to immune dysregulation, it is thought a variety of dietary and lifestyle interventions to support the immune system may be of benefit.
These are the different things you could try that might help:
- Anti-inflammatory diet: eat foods , high in anti-oxidants and phytonutrients from colourful fruit and vegetables, and omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish, hemp and flax is advisable. Certain foods high in the flavonol quercetin may be particularly beneficial, due to its anti-allergic activity. The main food sources of quercetin are vegetables such as onions, garlic and broccoli, fruits such as apples, berries and grapes, some herbs and tea
- Reduce your stress levels: try breathing techniques and exercising
- Quality sleep: look at your sleep hygiene – get off your phone before bed and establish a routine
- Take a supplement – research shows apple polyphenols, tomato extract, spirulina, chlorophyll, honey, conjugated linoleic acid, MSM, quercetin, vitamins C, D and E, and live bacteria supplements could help hay fever sufferers.
Hannah explained that if you suffer with hay fever, there might be a chance you have gut dysbiosis – which is an imbalance of the gut microorganisms.
"Recent research points to a central role of the gut microbiome in allergic disease, and it is hypothesised that dysbiosis may play a role in hay fever development/symptoms.
"Many factors can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the gut, for example, antibiotics, a period of poor diet, stress and environmental pollutants," she said.
4. Spending a small fortune
It could also be time to take action if your bathroom resembles a chemist's – full of allergy products.
Hannah said: "Hay fever is linked with increased healthcare costs, which can be substantial if other health complications develop."
5. High pollution
Living somewhere where there is no pollution at all is a tall order – but for allergy sufferers, living in a highly polluted area could make things worse.
Hannah said: "As if hay fever symptoms weren’t uncomfortable enough, researchers now believe that when pollen interacts with high levels of air pollution its allergic effect may be heightened.
"This means it takes lower levels of pollen in the air to cause symptoms."
6. You're always tired
Many people struggle with their sleep and for hay fever sufferers, that tickly throat or streaming nose could be keeping you from your snooze.
"Hay fever symptoms can interfere with sufferers’ sleep, even when going to bed early, leading to ongoing fatigue," Hannah added.
It's important to note that not everyone's symptoms are so severe.
Dr Anushka Patchava, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Vitality said as with many other allergies, the key to managing hay fever symptoms is avoiding exposure to the triggering allergens.
"When the pollen count is high for instance, people with hay fever can take steps such as shutting windows, avoiding buying fresh flowers, washing your clothes often to remove pollen, and cleaning your pets to remove any pollen stuck in their fur.
"If you suffer from asthma, it is advised that you take particular care during the warmer months, as pollen is known to worsen or even trigger asthma.”
While there is no cure for hay fever, many people have success with over-the-counter medication.
"These may include nasal sprays, antihistamines and eye drops.
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"All of these can help with alleviating symptoms, and can be accessed via your local pharmacist, who can help you to decide which medication is the best option for you.
"It is important to read instructions that come with the medicine and listen to the advice from your pharmacist or doctor. This is especially crucial if you’re taking other medications or have other health conditions," Dr Patchava added.
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