| Springtime, a lovely time of the year; flowers begin to | | | | indoors as much as possible when the pollen count is |
| bloom; trees burst into life; birds sing and the grass | | | | high, but this can be impracticable as they may still |
| becomes greener, ready for its first cut. Some people | | | | have to get to work etc. They must also try to avoid |
| actually dread this time of year. Their eyes begin to | | | | areas where there is freshly mown grass. |
| itch and they cough and sneeze. They are unlucky | | | | There are medicines and treatments that can help |
| enough to suffer from what we call hay fever. | | | | reduce the symptoms of hay fever. Antihistamines are |
| Hay fever is caused by an allergy to the pollen | | | | recognised as an effective antidote, but some of |
| produced by trees and plants. This pollen is carried in | | | | these treatments can cause drowsiness and so |
| the air. Sufferer's bodies believe that the pollen may be | | | | anyone who is driving or working with machinery |
| a harmful virus and so try to fight it. There are tests | | | | should take extra care. If you smear Vaseline on the |
| that can be given to determine what type of pollen is | | | | inside of your nostrils, it can trap the pollen particles |
| causing the problem and this could give the sufferer | | | | before they can be inhaled, but this could be unsightly |
| the information to allow them to avoid certain plants at | | | | and uncomfortable. Nasal drops are available and |
| times of the year when they would be most at risk. | | | | some natural oils such as a ready to apply 'rub on' |
| Spring time is not the only time of year that pollen is in | | | | aromatherapy blend can help. If it is an extreme case |
| the air. Some plants do not produce pollen until much | | | | then a doctor should be consulted as to what would |
| later in the year. The pollen count is usually featured on | | | | be best to use. He can carry out the test to determine |
| the television after the local weather forecasts. | | | | which allergen is causing your hay fever. |
| Though this is usually a very general forecast, It can | | | | There are new treatments being developed so |
| help give advance warning that there will be a lot of | | | | sufferers may see welcome improvements in the |
| pollen around. | | | | years to come and be able, like most of us, to enjoy |
| It is advisable for those who get hay fever to stay | | | | the pleasures of being in the great outdoors. |