As most Kiwis rejoice at the thought of September's warmer temperatures and flowers in bloom, one in five Kiwis dread the spring season for a simple reason - hayfever.
The thought of dealing with hayfever is already getting noses itchy and eyes watery. And those who suffer from hayfever know how much it can impact your ability to function.
However, hayfever sufferers shouldn't attempt to soldier through or lock themselves away from the outside world. Instead of spending your spring season irritated and sniffly, here are some effective ways to get through the worst hayfever months, and breathe a bit easier!
First, what causes hayfever?
The most common trigger for seasonal allergic rhinitis (the medical term for hayfever) is pollen. Pollen counts can vary during your week, depending if it's a dry and windy day or a wet and humid forecast. Other allergens include dust, mould and pet dander - but these often exist all year round.
Upon exposure to an allergen, histamine is released and people with hayfever allergies can experience uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose or itchy and watery eyes.
Those who suffer from eczema or asthma are more likely to suffer from hayfever, along with those who work in environments where they're constantly exposed to these allergens.
How can a person manage hayfever?
For rapid, non-drowsy relief that lasts 24 hours, you can choose Claratyne*. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamines and help relieve symptoms caused by hayfever and allergies. Claratyne Hayfever & Allergy Relief tablets are small and easy to swallow and provide relief from the symptoms triggered by over 200 indoor & outdoor allergens.
Just one dose a day provides rapid 24-hour relief from: - Sneezing - Watery, Itchy Eyes - Runny Nose - Itchy Rash
Claratyne is not just a springtime solution but is also suitable for year-round allergy symptoms.
Minimising contact with those problematic allergens may also help improve your springtime survival. While checking out your local weather report, platforms like NZ's Metservice feature pollen forecasts. They're a reliable way to know how much pollen you might face for the day and if there's too much pollen to hang your laundry outside to dry. Pollen counts are typically highest in the morning and dusk (unless it's raining) – so try to avoid outdoor activities at those times too.
When venturing out to the wild and pollinated world, protect yourself! For example, cover your face and wear a mask if you're working in the garden. It's also a great idea to keep your windows closed in the car and house, and use air conditioning rather than letting the wind blow pollen in. But make sure those air filters are clean and changed regularly.
And the more you can do to reduce the pollen that could be tracked into your home, the better! Be sure you and your other house dwellers remove their shoes outside, and give your exploring felines and canines a quick brush before letting them inside. Pollen is almost indestructible unless it's wet, so a shower and a change of clothes as soon as you get home will be a surefire way to remove any pollen that's also settled in your hair and skin before it gets into your bed sheets.
So armed with these trusty tips and your Claratyne antihistamine tablets, don't feel dread going outside this coming season, and bring back the spring in your step!
* This article was sponsored by Claratyne (contains Loratadine 10mg/tablet). Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Bayer New Zealand Limited, Auckland.
