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Health

25th Jun 2023

Expert shares hack to trap pollen for hay fever sufferers

Ellen Fitzpatrick

Whether it’s us as parents who are suffering or it’s our own little ones, hay fever is hitting hard this year.

And while there are a host of home remedies and anti-histamines we can take to alleviate the symptoms, there is one hack experts are swearing by.

Hay fever wipes are a great option for our children, as well as a spoonful of honey, as we may not want them taking a strong medication each day unless symptoms are particularly bad.

Thankfully, one Irish doctor has the answer to our problems and it comes in the form of a tub of Vaseline.

Galway-based GP Doctor Laura Lenihan revealed to RSVP that using the petroleum jelly around your nostrils can help catch the pollen from entering your sinuses and causing a reaction.

“Putting Vaseline underneath your nose is a good one, as it can trap the pollen before it enters the nasal passages,” she said.

“Other things like wearing wraparound sunglasses can stop the pollen getting into your eyes and causing itchy, watery eyes.

“You should also avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside because they can pick up pollen.”

According to the HSE, 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

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