8 Expert Ways to Help Students Reduce the Effects of Tree Pollen this Spring

Tree pollen is one of the two main types of pollen which affect hay fever sufferers in the UK. Tree pollen starts in February or March and peaks in April or May. Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg explains the body’s reaction to the pollen and gives his 8 top tips to reduce the effects of tree pollen for students with hay fever.

“The most common hay fever symptoms,” explains Max, “include sneezing, a runny nose, a stuffed up nose, itchy and watery or streaming eyes, nasal congestion and a general stuffed up feeling in the nose and throat. Some people also experience itching around the face and mouth including an itchy mouth, itchy roof of mouth, and a burning sensation in the throat. Headaches and wheezing can also occur.”

“And this is exactly what you don’t want when you’re studying for and taking exams. When I was I student, I needed to take not one but two toilet rolls into the exam hall to cope with the sneezing, runny nose and watering eyes.”

“Hay fever is the result of our immune system’s overreaction to innocuous substances such as pollen. The body produces histamines. Normal amounts of histamines in your brain are good – they are the things that keep us alert, attentive and awake. But, when there are too many in the body, they produce the sneezing and other symptoms common to hay fever sufferers.”

There are many ways to help reduce or prevent the symptoms of hay fever – Max’s Top 8 Tips are:

1. “Stop pollen from getting in your room or flat. Keep doors and windows closed so that tree pollen does not get blown into your room or flat. If the allergen isn’t in your home, then it’s a safe place to be.”
2. “Apply an organic, drug-free allergen barrier balm, such as HayMax, around the rim of the nostrils and bones of the eyes. This will stop some of the pollen getting in your body. Everyone can tolerate a certain amount of pollen without reaction – known as their ‘trigger level’. Once this level is reached, an allergic reaction will start to occur. HayMax organic drug-free allergen barrier balms have been proven to trap over 1/3 of pollen grains before they enter the body [1].”
3. “Eat and drink for your hay fever. What you eat and drink can affect how much – or how little – you will suffer from hay fever. Stay hydrated and eat lots of fruit and vegetables to stay healthy and support your immune system. Some foods such as red onions, watercress, kale and capers contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine. Avoid mucus-producing dairy drinks. Excess mucus is exactly what you don’t need if you suffer from hay fever. Drink water instead. Herbal teas can help, for example ginger and green tea work as natural anti-histamines whilst peppermint reduces congestion.”
4. “Make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Hay fever can affect your sleep. Shower at night before sleeping to remove pollen particles from your hair and body. Then apply an allergen barrier balm to block the pollen. Change and wash your bedding regularly to remove allergens.”
5. “Try an antihistamine. Tablets and capsules can relieve most symptoms – sneezing, itchy, runny eyes, skin irritation, itchy nose and throat – but are less effective for nasal congestion. Antihistamine nasal sprays can quickly ease itching, sneezing and watering but are generally only proof against mild symptoms.”
6. “Create your own Hay Fever First Aid Kit if your symptoms are particularly bad, or pollen counts are really high. I recommend one or more natural products, including an allergen barrier balm, one (and only one) antihistamine, one (and only one) steroid nasal spray and eye drops.”
7. “Understand which types of pollen you are allergic to, to help you to plan your allergy management better. If you know that you are allergic to beech or oak pollen for example, you can try to avoid areas where these types of trees grow, or at least prepare if you know you are going to be near those trees.”
8. “Check out my website haymax.biz/hay-fever/ for more ideas on how you can help reduce the effects of tree pollen. There is currently no cure for hay fever, but there are many things you can do or take to help. Good luck.”