Allergy and Hayfever Relief: How to Help Reduce Your Symptoms

Clogged noses, headaches, itchy skin – allergies are no one’s friend. Whether your symptoms are seasonal or you’re sensitive all year round, these handy tips and tricks may help to provide some hayfever relief.

An allergy is an immune response to an environmental factor like pollen or food. The immune system kicks into overdrive when it recognises these elements, prompting reactions such as a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes.

If you think you may have an allergy or have any concerns about your health, it’s important to talk to a health professional. If you believe you are having a severe allergic reaction, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Knowing that you sniffle in the spring is one thing – but it may be useful to identify the exact trigger. There are many different types of allergens, so it can be hard to pinpoint what’s causing your reaction.

Pollen, perfume, dust mites, foods, and more are among the common irritants ⁽²⁾.

Knowing what you’re allergic to may help you make informed choices and take steps to avoiding reactions in the future, so you might want to speak to a medical professional about allergy testing.

One of the most simple ways to manage your allergies or hayfever is to avoid triggering it. While this may be easier said than done, there are many practical ways which may help minimise your exposure to your allergens.

Dust mites, pollen, and dander are common allergy-triggering irritants, so reducing your exposure to them may help provide some hayfever relief.

Check fan blades for trapped dust, which may be spread around the home whenever the fan is turned on.

Vacuuming regularly also helps eliminate these allergens from the house. Try using a HEPA bagged vacuum to trap allergens and allow you to dispose of them cleanly.

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to common household textiles such as down or wool.

This is where hypoallergenic doonas and pillows may help ease night-time symptoms. Many pillows also come with a washable cover, which should be cleaned regularly to reduce exposure to other allergens such as dust.

Try using a washable mattress pad to add a layer between you and your mattress, which may be home to allergens like latex or dust mites.

Pollen is yet another common allergy trigger. To avoid a reaction, monitor the pollen count each day.

On particularly high pollen count days, staying indoors may help to reduce your exposure.

If you must go outdoors, try wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes, and avoid gardens and parks.

To rid yourself of any allergens you may have encountered throughout the day, leave your shoes at the door.

Washing your hands when you get home may also help, as well as rinsing them off before you go to bed to help keep your sleeping environment clean.

Did you know that perfumes and dyes may be allergens? People who are sensitive to these products may experience common allergic responses, including congestion and runny eyes.

If you’re regularly using products that contain these irritants, you may not even know what’s behind your allergy!

Try switching to fragrance and dye-free products, such as laundry detergents, home cleaners, deodorants and perfumes.

Have you found this information useful? If so you may enjoy the following:

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