With around 18 million hay fever sufferers in Britain, the warmer months can be a dreadful time for suffers as streaming eyes and noses take hold.
According to Met Office predictions we’re set for more hot weather, but with warm temperatures already here you may have started to get the sniffles.
As spring gets underway and the good weather continues, many hay fever sufferers will be forced indoors to avoid being affected by a high pollen count.
Luckily, there are a number of remedies that can be bought over the counter at your local chemist, online or at your local supermarket, helping many affected deal with their allergies more effectively.
For more on allergies and beating the sneezes in summer see here . Or read on for some top suggestions on what remedies work best.
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Find out the pollen forecast in your area on the Weather Channel .
1. Nettle tea
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Nettles have long been thought to relieve allergy symptoms, including hay fever and one of the easiest ways to take the natural remedy is in a tea. However, you shouldn’t drink it if you are pregnant.
What we recommend: Heath & Heather Nettle Tea Bags (50), £3.19, Holland and Barrett
2. Barrier balm
One of the best ways to stop hay fever is by not inhaling pollen and a simple balm can help act as a barrier against pollen getting up your nose.
What we recommend: HayMax , £6.99, Boots.
3. Nasal spray
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Nasal sprays can offer instant relief, working within minutes to relieve a blocked and bunged up nose for several hours.
What we recommend: Otrivine Allergy Relief 0.1% Nasal Spray , £3.79, Amazon.
Alternatively, any one looking for a spray that is antihistamine and steroid free should opt for Prevalin Prevalin Allergy Adult Nasal Spray (£9.99, Amazon) or Prevalin Allergy for kids (£6.94, Amazon)
4. Throat spray
If you suffer from a sore or scratchy throat a spray can help relieve your symptoms – fast.
What we recommend: Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray , (£5.99, Boots).
5. Antihistamine tablets
Antihistamines prevent the creation of action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when fighting against an allergen.
What we recommend: Piriteze (12 tablets), Boots Pharmaceuticals, £4.79 or if you’re after a natural alternative there’s
6. Natural tablets
For a natural alternative, try Healthspan Pycnogenol which is made from a pine bark extract that can reduce histamine release to ease your allergy symptoms.
What we recommend: Pycnogenol tablets, £16.95, healthspan.co.uk .
7. Eye drops
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Red itchy or streaming eyes are a tell-tale sign of hay fever suffers, so effective drops can help relieve suffers discomfort and combat inflammation.
What we recommend: Optrex itchy eye drops , £5.10, Waitrose.
