Doctor warns drivers with hay fever of one thing do to help symptoms

A medical professional has shared a handy tip for hay fever sufferers who are hitting the road this summer.

As the warmer weather rolls in, those plagued by the allergy will be all too familiar with the discomfort it brings. Hay fever is a common condition that can cause a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

While there’s no cure, there are measures you can take to alleviate symptoms. While most people are aware of the standard treatments like antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays, these aren’t always readily available when driving. To assist, one doctor has offered advice on what you can do to help manage your symptoms while on the move.

Dr Sooj, known as @doctorsooj on TikTok, has shared his wisdom for those struggling with the allergy. He specifically discusses what drivers can do, emphasising the role of filters and their maintenance.

He advises: “If you are driving a lot, make sure that your car air vent filter has been changed recently. And if you are really suffering, you can get a high-efficiency particular air filter.”

According to Halfords, “your car’s cabin filter (also known as a pollen filter) is responsible for keeping the air inside your vehicle as clean as possible, filtering out contaminants from the air circulated by your heaters and air conditioning.”

“You may also hear it referred to as an ‘air filter’ however, it’s important to be aware that your car has different types of air filters, for the engine and for the cabin. When replacing your filter, be sure you’ve chosen a cabin air filter and not an engine air filter.”

The experts have highlighted two key signs that suggest it’s time to swap out those filters. They urge people that if the draught from your vents is fainter than usual, or has dwindled over time, it’s a clue that it will likley need changing.

They add that if your car’s interior smells a bit old and musty, it’s another sign to change the filter. They explain that the smell indicates bacteria thriving on the particulates stuck in the filter, leading to that unpleasant aroma. So the sooner you change it, the better.