What helps against hay fever?

You step outside, the sun is shining… and within five minutes your eyes start tearing up, your nose runs like a faucet, and you sneeze yourself almost off your feet. Sound familiar? Then there's a good chance you suffer from hay fever. Every spring and summer, millions of people in the Netherlands experience it. Sometimes it seems like a stubborn cold, but it's your body reacting strongly to pollen in the air.

What exactly is hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction of your body to pollen, which is the pollen from trees, grasses, or plants. When these tiny particles enter your body through your nose, eyes, or mouth, your immune system gets a little panicked. It sees pollen as invaders, even though they are actually harmless. Your body then starts producing histamine, and that causes the typical symptoms such as sneezing, itching, a blocked nose, or watery eyes.

Hay fever mainly occurs in spring and summer, when there is a lot of pollen in the air. One person is allergic to tree pollen (spring), another to grass pollen (from May/June). Some are unlucky and react to both.

Common hay fever symptoms

Hay fever can be quite annoying, especially if you don't know exactly what's causing your symptoms. Below we list the most common symptoms for you. Do you recognize them?

• Itchy, watery eyes
  Pollen causes irritation of the mucous membranes of your eyes, leading to itching and tearing.
• Runny or blocked nose
  Your nasal mucous membranes become inflamed by pollen, causing excessive mucus production or blockage.
• Bouts of sneezing
  Your body tries to get rid of the pollen, often resulting in repeated sneezing.
• Itching in the throat, nose, or ears
  This itching is due to the immune system's reaction to pollen.
• Fatigue
  Your body is constantly battling allergens, which can be tiring, especially with poor sleep due to symptoms.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  Especially in people with asthma or allergies, hay fever can also lead to respiratory problems.
• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
  This is often due to blocked sinuses and can feel like a cold symptom.
• Irritated skin
  In some cases, the skin can react to pollen, resulting in redness or itching.

10 tips to reduce hay fever symptoms! 

1. Eat foods rich in quercetin
   Think apples, red onions, broccoli, and berries. Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine and can help soften your reaction to pollen.
2. Use petroleum jelly around your nose and eyes
   Apply a thin layer to 'catch' pollen before it reaches your mucous membranes.
3. Rinse your nose with a saline solution
   A simple saline solution (or a neti pot) helps to wash away pollen and mucus.
4. Wear sunglasses outdoors
   Protects your eyes from airborne pollen and prevents you from rubbing your eyes.
5. Hang your laundry indoors
   Drying outside = pollen on your clothes and bedding. Indoors, your laundry stays pollen-free.
6. Wash your hair and face before bed
   This washes away any pollen that has accumulated during the day, helping you sleep more peacefully.
7. Use a natural nasal spray
   For example, one based on salt or herbs like chamomile, without chemical additives.
8. Keep windows closed during the day
   Especially on dry, windy days. It's better to air out rooms early in the morning or after a rain shower.
9. Boost your immunity with vitamin C
   Choose citrus fruits, kiwis, or a supplement. Vitamin C supports your immune system.
10. Check the pollen forecast
    Plan your outdoor activities smartly and stay indoors on peak days, especially during dry, windy days.