I thought I’d avoided it this year. I normally start around March/April and I’ve been getting hayfever since I was 15/16. When I say hayfever, I don’t mean a little sniffle; I mean full on sneezing fits, raw eyes, bending over and sinuses leaking. Gross!

So here are my Top 5 tips to fight hay fever. Now, you know I’m not a doctor and I know I’m not a doctor, so the advice given here are things that work for me, but always check with your GP if you’re unsure!

1. Deep Dust Your House

Sounds obvious, but this is a big one. If you’re prone to hay fever, your nasal passages will already be highly irritated and sensitive; so any dust will make it infinitely worse. Get your furniture moved and everything vacuumed and dusted at least once a week – I promise you you’ll be gobsmacked what you find.

Not the most environmentally friendly but Pledge disposable dusters and dusting cloths are amazing. Dust sticks to them like it’s magnetic and you just throw it away. Yes, the environment, but the clean is unparalleled.

2. HEPA Filters / Air Purifiers

I’ve been using HEPA filters for years and particularly when sleeping, they’re life savers! I used to use the VICKS filter, but after a few years, it’s now as powerful and particularly in my new apartment with very, very high cielings – it’s a drop in the ocean.

The best ones I’ve found and currently using are by VAX. I have the AP01 in the bedroom and the AP02 in the bedroom. The models vary in power and room size, but I’d advise if you have multiple rooms (my apartment has a huge open-plan living/kitchen/dining room and then bedroom) get one for each room. Place them in the middle of each room, they don’t seem to use much power, and leave them running!

Both have off timers and the AP01 on its lowest setting is perfectly quiet enough for sleep and really does reduce my hay fever both when I’m asleep and when I wake up. It was £250 altogether for both from Argos. Also during my research, don’t be fooled by the Dyson Air Purifiers – they don’t advertise the fact but they do need replacement filters and as you’d expect, they’re not cheap!

3. Prescriptions from your GP

Don’t be fooled into thinking that what’s available in your local pharmacy off the shelf (loratadine, cetirizine) are your only options for hay fever. There are stronger alternatives such as Fexofenadine and Desloratadine which are available on prescription – although particularly Fex can have some side effects. I’m not condoning the use of these, but merely to point out that you can go to your GP and there are other options if over-the-counter isn’t cutting it for you.

4. Boots Allergy Barrier Spray

This is one of the best options I’ve found for preventing fits of hay fever. You can read my full review from last year here and it’s still just as effective for me as it was then.

5. Nasal Sinus Douching / Cleansing

This has been a new one for me this year and is an altogether bizarre experience – but it really, really works. The NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit seems to be the best one available and was one of the only ones available in my local big-Boots.

Follow the instructions and do pay attention when it mentions the water to use, particularly boiling and allowing to cool if you’re using tap water. You basically fill the bottle up with water, pour in the sachet and then place the bottle under one nostril (it doesn’t go in, but does block the hole). Then gently squeeze and the water comes out the other nostril, or sometimes your mouth.

It’s not painful or even unpleasant – just odd. Do this 2/3 times per day and it really helps reduce the symptoms of hay fever!

* Featured image from Indiaphile.info