Just as restrictions are lifted, temperatures are soaring, and the prospect of exciting holidays and social gatherings are on the horizon, the met office has issued high pollen count warnings across the country, signalling misery for many.

Are you a hay fever sufferer? I’ve had it since I was a teenager. The summers I was pregnant it didn’t affect me, which was blissful, but for many other summers it’s been hard going.

The feeling that you just want to take your eyeballs out, run them under the cold tap and pop them back in – anyone else? That itchy feeling all over, including the roof of your mouth – anyone else? The sneezing, the weeping eyes, the runny nose, the feeling like you have a winter cold in July – anyone else?

Why is it so bad this year?

Experts agree that hay fever is worse than ever this year due to the population spending long periods of time indoors during lockdown. This has resulted in a lack of exposure to pollen, making individuals less immune than usual.

The nose is one of the main places where allergens enter the body and start to cause hay fever symptoms. Your nose filters the air you breathe but as with any filter, it works best when regularly cleaned.

What can you do?

It might be a good idea to get an allergy test, to establish exactly what you are allergic to. Independent Pharmacist, Rita Ghelani recommends natural Xlear Nasal Spray which can be used daily to make sure your airway remains healthy and free of allergens.

Why Xlear Nasal Spray?

• Provides relief in as little as 10 minutes
• Natural – contains the natural active ingredient xylitol
• Can be used daily unlike OTC nasal decongestants
• No side effects like drowsiness
• Suitable for children

If your allergies are worse than normal, you can try Xlear Max (£20.48 for 45ml. Available from independent health stores and from Amazon). Unlike the original xylitol nasal spray, Xlear Max Nasal Spray also includes capsicum annum 8x and aloe vera, two natural remedies perfect for allergy season specifically.

The addition of capsicum and aloe vera to the Xlear formula gives more immediate relief from congestion and allergy symptoms. During peak allergy season, this particular spray might be preferable over the original, especially if you can’t find relief when you need it.

The Xlear Nasal Spray range includes:

• Xlear Sinus Care Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol, 45ml  – £11.99
• Kids Xlear Sinus Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol, 75oz – £6.99
• Xlear Sinus Rinse Kit – £10.

Other tips for hay fever sufferers

• Be aware of the pollen count: There are a few good websites and apps that can alert you when specific allergens are high in your area. Knowing when levels are higher will help you prepare.
• Close the windows: Even though it is warm and nice outside, make sure to keep your house as allergen-free as possible so you have a place to escape when needed.  You could also invest in a household air purifier.
• Frequently shower: You will always come in contact with allergens—it’s inevitable. Getting the allergens off your body is key to making sure you don’t have a bad reaction. Shower morning and night and wash your hands and face throughout the day.
• Frequently wash bedding and linens: To ensure that you aren’t spending more time than absolutely necessary around allergens, make sure the places you spend the most time are fresh and clean. It is also a good idea to get mattress and pillow covers for allergies.
• Don’t use the car’s heating/air conditioning unless it is filtered:  Many car heating and air conditioning units suck in air from the outside so it is good to find out if your car’s system filters the air or you are at risk of sucking in and circulating pollen and allergens.
• Try using a little dab of Vaseline or a nasal balm around the nostrils to help stop pollen and other allergens entering the nasal passage.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen getting into the eyes

Xlear products are available from independent health stores and from Amazon.  For more information, please visit https://www.xlear.com/