Allergy Anguish

In the midst of our mini-heatwave thousands of Hay Fever sufferers nationwide are experiencing unusual levels of discomfort for this time of year. The season of misery (for some) has come early this year as record temperatures sparked a hay fever outbreak two months earlier than usual. It has been reported that twice the usual number of people have called NHS Direct complaining of persistent sneezing and eye problems. In many cases the symptoms appear to be more severe than in previous years and the onslaught very sudden. Doctors have reported a significant increase in symptoms among the five to fourteen age range who appear to be the worst affected.
The culprits, it has been suggested are the Silver Birch and Oak varieties which have been producing more pollen in the warm, sunny weather. Typically around June and July most people suffer from allergic reactions to pollen in grasses.
Unfortunately the problem is expected to worsen as Britain predicts a heat-wave similar to that of 2003. (Oh shucks!).
So what do we do? Well I know I'm not the only one out here having to watch while my Li'l Bit (AC) endures the misery of this season. We've all tried the antihistamines and other over the counter remedies which this year seem to be having the same effect as sugar pills, so what else? Invest in an Ionizer; I did and it made a huge difference, especially at night. I've also heard that coating the inside of the nostrils with a thin layer of petroleum jelly also helps in alleviating the symptoms. (N.B not scientific knowledge, just a useful home remedy). Staying indoors with doors and windows closed, particularly in the evening is also useful for keeping the pollen away - though not great news for our adventure loving kids. Flush the eyes periodically with cold water, this eases the itching and soreness and is also very soothing. Apparently wearing wraparound sunglasses helps as I'm sure wearing a veil or even a gas mask does too! - But probably not everyone's style. Changing outdoor clothes and taking showers as close to arriving home as possible also helps to ease the discomfort of the lingering pollen on the body.Try to discourage children from rubbing their eyes as this causes further irritation - I tell Li'l Bit "Don't rub - Flush!" And after rolling his little red eyes at me for being corny we trudge upstairs to the bathroom for some well needed relief.