Allergic rhinitis (aka the dreaded ‘hay fever’) affects nearly 1 in 5 Australians at some point in their life, and is caused by our immune system responding to allergens like pollen, house dust, animal fur and air pollutants. Here’s some tips you might not know that could reduce your symptoms.
- Time of day
Although hay fever is typically a seasonal allergy, many people get it all year round. For this reason, it’s important to understand when you are most and least likely to be affected. For most people, early morning and evening are the worst times to go out, as this is when pollen is lowest in the air. As the day goes on, pollen tends to rise, making it (generally) a better time to be out and about. This also depends on what your allergy is. For example, different types of pollen travel at different intervals and speeds. Midday could also be a good time for people affected by pollution to be outside, as there are usually less cars on the road.
2. Cleaning technique
Surprisingly, what you do indoors can also influence how susceptible you are to a runny nose. Damp dusting is a specific dusting technique that incorporates the use of a wet cloth (instead of a dry one). This is considered a better option because it collects the dust rather than pushing it into the air.
3. Routines
When you come home from walking the dog or a kick at the park, your first thought is to plonk down on the couch and turn on the tv, right? Pollen, fur and air pollutants can stick to your clothing and skin, making it hard to get away from what’s irritating your eyes and nose. As such, it might be a good idea to take a shower and change your clothes when you get home instead.
Time to show hay fever who’s boss.