pollen

I suffer badly from "Hayfever" most of the year. I when to a specialist who did some allegic tests and found out that I did not suffer from Hayfever but from house dust mites and grass seed. Not pollen. The effects are the same as is causes hestimine to be produced which is the chemical for runny noses, eyes itching noses etc. and there are numerous anti-hestimine drugs on the market. The only way to find the best one for you is to try them all as there effectiveness depens upon the individual.

I have found the following has reduced my symtems considerably:

1) Hoovering the bed as this is where most house dust mites live and you spend most of your time in doors

2) When doing anything romotely in the garden I where my "Gardening clothes" and as soon as I have finished I take them off and shower and put them in the machine. I never keep them on longer than need be.

3) Cutting the grass when it is a little damp keeps the grass seed down considerly.

Re the medication I do not take any antihestimine tablets any more becuase the above reduces the need although it is impossible to escape grass seed so I do take:

1) Boots own Nasel Spray (Oxymetazoneline Hydrochloride) for congestion. This is smoother and softer on the nose than Vickes and last longer. Vickes just burns.

2) Drink elderflower tea. Elderflower contains an antihestimne drug. However to get enough of the dose you need around 6-8 cups a day. Doctor Stuarts brand has the highest elderflower content and is available form health stores. I find it is easier to drink it when it is cold or like warm. After a while it starts to taste good too!

3) Best of all is a spray called "Sterimar". Is is only salt water but it cleans all the nasel passage and gets rid of an nasties making you sneeze.

Oh yes, if you go for tablets get them on perscription and get them for severeal months otherwise the over the counter prices will be very expensive.

Hope that helps.

Take up ocean racing?

Seriously though, ditto tgruitt.

As an alternative, somebody out ther might have a homeopathic remedy to suggest. You could always try that avenue.....Have you tried asking your local pharmacist for advice?

I always find that my symptoms are reduced when I'm sailing.  Not a bad way to spend the summer!

Seriously though - my hayfever was a nightmare last year, so not looking forward to this years season.  I love Piriton (sp?), but it knocks me out in minutes and I can have a lovely snooze all day.  Not good for work or anything useful.  My otehr favourite tablet is Claritin (again sp?) because it works for me and is non-drowsy.  I tried a nasal spray last year, but found mixed results.

I think its a very personal thing.  Speak to your chemist and try different solutions and then stick to it.  Also, check the active ingredient on branded products - the Boots (or other high street chemist) own brand may have the same and can be purchased at low cost.  It can be an expensive habit being a hayfever sufferer over the summer!