How to put together a first aid kit for your hay fever

Find yourself panicking every year when your hay fever kicks in? This year prepare for it by putting together the ultimate hay fever first aid kit.

Compiled by long-term hay fever sufferer and airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg, the hay fever first aid kit contains everything you every need to help stop the sniffles – from the usual tablets and sprays, to effective allergen barrier balms and natural defences.

How to put together a first aid kit for your hay fever

There are a bewildering number of different products available for hay fever sufferers, and I’ve probably tried most of them – with varying degrees of success!

Many people find something that works for them, then find that it stops working after a while. Or something helps with some symptoms, but not all. One way round this is to use more than one remedy at a time (but read the label, and be careful not to mix drugs. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor).

Instead, I’ve found it’s much better to put together your own hay fever first aid kit. I always have this ready so I’m not caught out when the sneezing starts. Here’s what’s in mine.

1) Organic allergen barrier balms

It’s very important to include a product that can help prevent the cause of your symptoms in the first place.

Drug-free allergen barrier balms (such as HayMax) can be applied to the nostrils and around the bones of the eyes in the morning and throughout the day, to trap over a third of pollen particles before they enter the body. Less pollen, less reaction!

2) Pharmaceutical options

If you want to use drugs, antihistamine tablets and capsules can relieve most hay fever symptoms – sneezing, itchy, runny eyes, skin irritation, itchy nose and throat – but are less effective for nasal congestion.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation in the nose and work best for clearing nasal symptoms including itching, sneezing, watering and congestion. Eye drops may be useful for reducing itchy, watering, swollen eyes. You can use an antihistamine, a corticosteroid nasal spray and eye drops at the same time.

3) Saltpipes

The Cisca Saltpipe provides a natural way to help ease hay fever. It’s a porcelain dry salt inhaler that helps breathing become easier and deeper, and helps to lessen coughing. The salt crystals are placed between ceramic filters. Air is drawn through the filters and is purified as it’s drawn over the natural salt crystals.”

4) Immune support supplements

A well functioning immune system has also been shown to help keep hay fever symptoms in check. BEE Prepared immune formulas combine nutrients with proven benefits including propolis, elderberry and olive leaf, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties and also contain quercetin.

5) Tissues

A pocket sized packet of tissues is an essential item. Sustainable makes such as The Cheeky Panda, are made from 100% sustainable bamboo and are FSC approved.

More hay fever tips

Tablets, sprays and drops can be taken individually or in combination to help combat the symptoms of your allergy, depending on which symptoms you suffer from and how severe they are.

There are many different brands, so don’t give up if the first one you try doesn’t work for you; you may well find another version that works better. It’s advisable to ask your GP or pharmacist before combining treatments.

You may want to try HayMax or other natural products alongside your other hay fever medicine or medicines as they can reduce the amount of medication you need.

There are lots more ideas in the allergy guides on the HayMax website.

Photo by Peter Miranda