Pretoria - While the warmer weather and budding blossoms bring a sense of excitement, they also herald the onset of hayfever.
Nearly 30 percent of people worldwide suffer from hayfever or allergic rhinitis.
Hayfever is caused by an allergic response to substances in the air such as pollen – unlike a cold which is caused by a virus. Symptoms include nasal congestion, a clear runny nose, sneezing, nose and eye itching and excess tear production.
Sufferers sometimes experience a postnasal drip which then causes a cough.
Loss of the sense of smell is common, as is a loss of taste. Nose bleeding is another hay fever symptom.
These allergic symptoms can cause serious health problems such as sinusitis or asthma. Fedhealth recommends:
l Gargle with warm salt water to get rid of an itchy or irritated throat.
l Use saline solution in your nose.
l Wash your hair before you go to bed and regularly change your pillowcases.
l Eat a spoonful of honey.
l Use a humidifier regularly in the rooms you spend the most time in.
l Clean your carpets. Bare wood or tiled floors are better.
l Wash your pets weekly.
l Take Vitamin C to build up your immune system.
l Steaming is a great way to clear your nasal passages.
Pretoria News