As the pollen count surges this week, have more sex and 8 more tips to beat hay fever

Woke up with a runny nose and itchy eyes?

You may think you are catching a cold or covid but it could actually be the signs of hay fever.

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hay fever season has already startedlike every year in March.

Grass is not only mowed in the summer causes runny noses.

Tree pollen, which affects one in four hay fever sufferers, is already being released across the country.

It will be at high levels this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the Met Office has warned.

But there are ways to combat pollen allergies, from having more sex to showering before bed.

Here are eight expert tips to help quell the sniffle…

1. Have more sex

Getting between the sheets could help banish those exhausting hay fever symptoms.

According to scientists in Iran, there is a connection between the nasal and reproductive systems.

They said that during orgasm, the nervous system constricts blood vessels, which can relieve nasal congestion and clear, watery eyes.

Neurologist Sina Zarrintan, author of the study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses, said his method is much more comfortable and much cheaper than taking antihistamines.

He said: “It can be done from time to time to relieve congestion and the patient can adjust the number of intercourses depending on the severity of the symptoms.”

Experts from Tabriz Medical University have yet to conduct clinical trials to prove their theory, which has been published in the medical journal Medical Hypotheses.

But at least it is in line with expert advice to stay indoors when pollen levels are high.

2. Shower at night

A night shower not only rids you of all the dirt of the day, but also washes away stray pollen.

This will prevent the pollen from ending up in your bed, where it could fester for days.

Sleep expert Neil Robinson said: “You might be a fan of a cool shower to wake you up first thing in the morning, but if your allergy symptoms are getting worse at night, it may be worth changing your shower routine.

“At the end of a long day, your hair, skin and clothes are covered in microparticles of dust and pollen, especially if you spend long periods outdoors enjoying the sun.

“A quick shower before settling down for the night can help remove these allergens before bed and reduce nighttime symptoms.”

3. Take antihistamines at the right time

The once-a-day pills can help relieve the annoying symptoms of hay fever, but WHEN you take them can make a world of difference.

If your symptoms get worse around lunchtime, taking it first thing in the morning is your best protection.

But if they make you sleepy, it’s best to take them at night.

dr Sarah Jarvis told The Sun: “Part of the problem with hay fever is that it depends on when your symptoms start. pollen counts Tends to be higher during the day.

“So we usually say when you go out, go out early in the morning or late at night because pollen levels tend to be lower then.”

The Met Office says: “On sunny days, pollen levels are highest in the early evening and that is when you are most likely to suffer from hay fever symptoms.”

4. Wash your linens

It might not sound like a hay fever cure, but washing the sheets can really help.

“The average person washes their linens every two weeks, but in the summer months, twice a month isn’t enough to keep allergens at bay,” Neil said.

“During the hay fever season, you should wash your bedding once a week to keep the bedding free of pollen, dust and other particles that could aggravate symptoms.

“A hot wash also helps. In one study, scientists found that washing items at higher temperatures was more effective at removing traces of tree pollen. So when washing your linens, make sure they are at a temperature of 40ºC or more – ideally at least 60 °C.”

5. Ban pets

Don’t worry, you don’t have to get rid of your beloved pooch, just don’t let them sleep in the bedroom.

Neil said: “Pet fur can be a magnet for pollen, dust and other allergens, which means you’ll be the one suffering if they climb into your bed late at night.

“As 10 percent of people banish their partner from the bedroom to make room for their furry friend, it might be time to evict your pet and invite your partner back over during the summer months if you don’t want your allergy symptoms to ease flare up.”

6. Get the right bedding

If you have allergies, buy bedding that is specially formulated to keep dust and other pests at bay.

“When it comes to the environment you sleep in, your mattress can be one of the biggest contributors to allergy symptoms,” Neil said.

“The average mattress can contain tens of thousands of dust mites and their droppings, which are a serious irritant to people with allergies.

“Getting rid of dust mites can be difficult, but a quality mattress that has Allergy UK’s seal of approval can help.

“If you suffer from an allergy, purotex microcapsules and Tencel fibers are good materials to look out for when choosing a new mattress.”

7. Change into pajamas

As soon as you get home, no matter where you’ve been, it’s a good idea to change.

That keeps pollen from spreading around your home or causing symptoms as long as you’re in your clothes while you’re loitering around the home.

8. Eat more berries

It is said that berries can act as an antihistamine.

They are rich in vitamin C, which supports the activity of DAO – an enzyme that absorbs extra histamine in the body.

Eating mostly low-histamine foods can reduce histamine buildup, reports Healthline.

Stock up on berries (except strawberries and kiwis), fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, olive oil, and grains like rice and quinoa.

Dark berries and red grapes also contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which fight inflammation.

Red grapes have resveratrol, an anti-inflammatory compound that serves to protect against nasal allergy symptoms and wheezing.

9. Put petroleum jelly in your nose

Thorrun Govind, community pharmacist and chairman of the board of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England, suggests putting vaseline around your nostrils to catch pollen.

It might sound a bit bizarre, but some people swear by petroleum jelly (like petroleum jelly) under and around their noses.

It catches tiny particles of pollen or dirt before they get into your nose.

Once trapped, they can no longer irritate your airways and trigger your hay fever symptoms.