Some remedies, both conventional and natural
1. Viva HealthZone Air Purifier (£69.99). For stockists, call 0800 525 089 This air purifier quickly clears pollen, dust and other potential allergens from the air. It works on the root cause of hay fever and other allergies, thus reducing your need for medication. The dual turbo fan draws air into the purifier and subjects it to four purifying processes; a washable pre-filter removes large pollutant particles, a HEPA filter removes up to 98 per cent of sub-micron particles, a carbon filter absorbs unpleasant odours, while the integral ioniser refreshes the air and helps it feel cleaner.
2. Nasaleze Natural Hay fever and Allergy Protection (£7.99). For mail order call 01453 752216 Nasaleze is a nasal powder that lines the nasal passages and sinuses to enhance the production of nasal mucus. This forms an invisible, gel-like filter over the lining of nasal passages that helps stop pollen triggering an allergic reaction. Squeeze and sniff the bottle to inhale the inert cellulose nasal powder. In most cases, hay fever symptoms are controlled within three to ten seconds and works for up to 24 hours.
3. Aromatherapy, for example, Aromatic Garden Essence Hay Fever Formula (£10.95). Call 01494 798301 for mail order Aromatherapy is an excellent approach to hay fever symptoms, especially effective for the nasal congestion and stuffiness that make it difficult to breathe. Essential oils of basil, eucalyptus blue gum, lavender and peppermint quickly clear your nasal passages. Simply drop onto a hankie to inhale, or use with a portable diffuser (£16.95), which is ideal on a desk or even in the car. Not suitable for children under 12 years.
4. Flixonase Allergy Nasal Spray (£6.99/60 sprays) from pharmacies nationwide A recent review suggested that nasal corticosteroid sprays, which have revolutionised hay fever treatment, offer better relief of symptoms than oral antihistamines, and that using both together does not provide additional benefit compared with using nasal corticosteroids alone. There is no clear evidence to suggest one nasal corticosteroid spray is more effective than another - all have a similar potential for causing nosebleeds. Some sprays are significantly more expensive, so it's worth trying the cheaper ones first. Apply two sprays per nostril per day, preferably in the morning, increasing to a maximum of twice daily use if required. Once control of symptoms is achieved, reduce down to just one spray per nostril per day. Do not use for more than three months.
5. Butterbur, for example, FSC Standardised Butterbur (£10.99/60 capsules) from health food shops nationwide Butterbur petasin (petasites hybridus) grows in damp, marshy areas and is sometimes known as bog rhubarb. Although traditionally used to treat a migraine, Swiss scientists have now found it's effective in treating hay fever. Research suggests that it is as effective as an over-the-counter antihistamine (cetirizine) but without the drowsiness which affects two thirds of those taking the antihistamine drug. Not suitable for children under 12 years.
6. Herbal remedies, for example, Bioforce Luffa Complex (£6.59/120 tablets). Call 01294 277344 for stockists Luffa complex is a herbal remedy containing extracts from seven freshly harvested herbs, including sponge cucumber, heartseed, American spikenard and khella. One study found it relieved hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itching in the nose, throat and eyes and coughs in 75 per cent of cases. Luffa is available as tincture and spray, as well as tablets. Not suitable for children under two years.
7. Antihistamine tablets, for example, Boots Hay fever and Allergy Relief Fast Melting Tablets (£5.79). Call 08450 708090 for stockists Oral antihistamines reduce allergic symptoms throughout the body, and with hay fever, are most effective at reducing runny nose and sneezing. They tend to be less effective against a stuffed up nose, for which a decongestant spray is more helpful. Some antihistamines can make you drowsy, but a study by the Drug Safety Research Unit found that, of the newer non-sedating antihistamines, loratadine and fexofenadine (prescription only) are around three times less likely to cause sedation than cetirizine and acrivastine. Individual responses to drugs do vary widely, however. Not suitable for children under 12 years.
8. Homeopathy, for example, Weleda Mixed Pollen (£4.75/125 tablets). Call 0115 9448222 for stockists Homeopathy is a safe and gentle way of keeping hay fever symptoms at bay. It works on the twin homeopathic principles that `like cures like' and `less cures more'. This formulation contains the imprint of over 20 pollens, including well known irritants like grasses, to help desensitise the potential for hay fever, although the mixture is so dilute no pollen is actually present any more. Researchers have found that people using a homeopathic preparation of mixed grass pollens to treat acute hay fever showed greater improvement in symptoms than those on placebo, and used significantly less antihistamine drugs as a result.
9. Antihistamine eye drops, for example, Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops. (£4.39) From pharmacies nationwide Antihistamine eye drops quickly reduce allergic eye symptoms of hay fever, such as itching, watering and irritation. This brand of eye drop also contains decongestant to relieve swelling and redness as well. Not suitable if you have glaucoma or for children under five years. 10. Nasal Air Guard (£8.49/pack of 10). Call 01453 752216 for mail order This is another barrier device to reduce the ability of airborne allergens such as pollen to irritate the nasal lining. These plugs fit in the nose and, although they take some getting used to, provide additional protection when going outdoors when pollen counts are high. It's available in four different sizes, plus a sample pack of the four for £1.99 to help you find the correct size.
Other hay fever busters:
Pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, is as effective in preventing release of histamine as a commonly used hay fever drug, sodium cromoglicate. In fact, laboratory studies have shown pycnogenol can block as much as 70 per cent of histamine released from mast cells when they are exposed to airborne allergens such as pollen.
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants, known as catechins, which have a natural antihistamine effect as well as helping to maintain a healthy immune system. Drinking two or three cups of green tea daily, especially during the hay fever season, may be beneficial. Green tea extracts are also available as supplements.
Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine to dampen inflammation. A study in Italy found that high dose vitamin C helped to relieve acute hay fever symptoms with a significant reduction in sensitivity to allergens, mucus production and wheezing.
If you have sore, red eyes, lie down for 20 minutes with a cool compress over your eyes made from cotton pads soaked in rosewater, eyebright or cold camomile tea.