While many of us have eagerly awaited the start of warmer weather in the UK, for others it can usher in a season of frustrating, debilitating symptoms. According to the NHS, around 20 percent of Brits are hay fever sufferers.
Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is a condition caused by an allergic reaction to pollen.
It is most prevalent in the spring and summer, especially if it is warm, humid and windy, making the pollen count high.
Symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to debilitating and include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, headache and fatigue.
There is currently no definitive cure for hay fever although there are treatments available to help ease symptoms. But it is better to prevent symptoms occurring in the first place.
With this in mind, one expert has warned of a common morning habit many of us do that could be making your hay fever and other allergies worse.
Martin Seeley, from Mattress Next Day, advised against making your bed first thing in the morning for this reason.
He said: “Contrary to popular belief, an unmade bed is less susceptible to trapping pollen and dust mites, those tiny creatures that can trigger a range of health issues, including asthma and allergies,”
However, that’s not to say you should leave the bedding in a bunched up pile, as trapped moisture needs to be ventilated.
“Many studies show that unventilated bedding, caused by making your bed immediately, can create an environment that leads to higher concentrations of dust mites and their allergic proteins,” he continued.
If you sleep by a window the sun can help to reduce your exposure to unwanted visitors.
Martin said: “Natural sunlight can play a role in preventing the accumulation of dust mites.
“Allowing your bedding to remain unmade for a while gives it exposure to natural sunlight.
“Sunlight has disinfectant properties and can help kill some bacteria and mites, further reducing potential health risks.”
His advice is backed by researcher Dr Stephen Pretlove.
Speaking to BBC News, he said: “We know that mites can only survive by taking in water from the atmosphere using small glands on the outside of their body.
“Something as simple as leaving a bed unmade during the day can remove moisture from the sheets and mattress so the mites will dehydrate and eventually die.”
According to the NHS, common symptoms of hay fever include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
- Feeling tired.
A pharmacist can help recommend treatments and medications for hay fever.
But if your symptoms are getting worse and do not ease with these treatments the NHS recommends speaking to your GP.
