Treating hay fever without anti histmines

[Comefromaway]

Dh is suffering from terrible hay fever but he can't take anti histamines. The GP hasn't got any advice. Is there anything he can do? Reluctantly I know I am going to have to start using the tumble dryer instead of drying clothes on the line.

Depending on what it is about antihistamines that doesn't work for him - some herbs and extracts have antihistamine properties. Quercetin works wonders, as does strong nettle tea (use 2 bags and steep for ages). Some people also find vitamin c helpful too.

They rarely work for me anyway.

I use tiger balm, Vicks, nasal sprays, more nasal sprays (buy fresh and different varieties every time as they start to not work), I use sudafed to clear my sinuses and stop nasal drip, and I use eye drops.

And I have to use them all, all summer. This last week has been horrendous.

It isn't easy. If you use a thin layer of vaseline at the nostrils it can help act as a barrier for pollen. There are also pollen wipes that my daughter swears by, although I suspect baby wipes may work pretty well. She uses them to clean her face after being outside and says they help a lot. I find large sunglasses help when I'm outside. Again, I think they act as a barrier and help stop the pollen from getting in to my eyes. Inside, I use an air purifier and think that it helps to reduce the amount of pollen. I use it in our bedroom overnight and it does seem to help me to breathe more easily.

Steroid nasal sprays (Beconase, Flixonase, Avamys) are very effective and safe. They don't work immediately so people often give up on them after a day or two, but if you use them consistently you'll notice a difference after a week or so.

Blue spirulina powder - discovered by chance.

It's tasteless and odourless (so not like green spirulina) and it worked to reduce symptoms here

I add it to my morning porridge or mix it with Greek yogurt - just 1/4 ish of a teaspoon - and a 75g packet lasts a few months

They counteract the betahistine that he has to take for another medical condition he has. If he takes antihistamines he is unable to function (dizziness, nausea, unable to stand, completly out of it!)

Try eating very local honey

Close windows especially at night (pollen Rises in the day and when it cools at night it falls again)

Clean filters in any air con or air flow you have in cars or home

Immunotherapy. Might be available on NHS, though your GP's reaction suggests not in your area, or could you go private?

Local honey doesn't work. By definition the sort of pollen picked up by bees isn't the sort that floats around in the air trying to have sex with your nostrils.

I think he has been taking beconase the last few days, sounds like it needs more time to kick in.

I find air con really helpful. It is a bit annoying, but I always feel much better after a day at work in an air conditioned office. A long car journey has the same effect.

Beconase can take a couple of weeks to work. If his eyes are affected, can he use eye drops?

Lots of people don't use nasal sprays properly so he should look up how to use them to be most effective.

Not drying washing outdoors, changing clothes and showering as soon as he comes indoors, Vaseline on his nostrils, all help.

Unfortunately we have no air con. He works mostly from home but does one day a week teaching in a college.

He does have eye drops but he also has this condition where he has really dry eyes, he doesn't produce tears properly so he has drops for that.

He has been in the garden a lot recently which won't have helped.

I had acupuncture years ago for hay fever and found it really good.

Some of the allergy eye drops include sodium cromogylate, which I believe is available as tablets although very expensive. My dad has them for severe allergies. I think this works differently to other antihistamines so may be an option?

Defo don't dry anything outside I'm afraid. When he comes in from being outside, quick cool shower, incl rinsing hair, will make a big difference. Definitely rinse hair before bed. Keep windows shut where possible.

And also, just a lot of sympathy! I know hay-fever isn't really "serious" for most people, but it can be really miserable and exhausting.

I know, I had appalling hay fever when I was a teen. It knocked me for six and I was utterly miserable until I found effective anti histamines.

quick cool shower, incl rinsing hair,

hair is not an issue , he hasn't got any! 😁

Sunglasses when outside, washing face and changing clothes when coming inside. There are different types of nasal sprays and eye drops. Steroids if really bad. Perhaps have a conversation with your pharmacist - they may be able to suggest different options?

He wears normal prescription glasses.

I'm the same,Beconase spray and anti histamine eye drops. Lots of face washing during the day and Vaseline up the nose. Wear glasses.

Air purifier when he works from home. Acupuncture can work really well for hay fever, too, but is obviously not a short term solution.

Have lots of spider plants around the house too,they're fantastic for purifying the air.

I take beconase and eye drops. Beconase does take a fews days to kick in.

I had a steroid injection to help. Paid private at a local aesthetics clinic. Cost £45. Changed my life