Hay fever sufferers urged to use one device to help combat symptoms

Hay fever season is upon us, affecting over 10 million Brits with the troublesome pollen allergy. Symptoms range from a runny or blocked nose to itchy, red or watery eyes, fatigue and frequent sneezing.

These symptoms often worsen from late March to September, especially during warm, humid and windy conditions when the pollen count is at its highest.

There’s no cure for hay fever, but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms and one often overlooked method can be particularly helpful.

Electronic devices such as air purifiers, fans and even vacuum cleaners, can aid in managing hay fever from the comfort of your own home.

There’s no cure for hay fever but there are great new ways with tech that you can try
(Image: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF)

Dr Mohamed Najjar from Jorja Healthcare Group explains, “There are a number of ways that technology can help. For example, air purifiers can help reduce airborne particles, providing some relief,” reports the Mirror.

“There are also devices called air quality monitors. While they don’t clean the air, they alert you to problems, such as local pollen data, and some are available on smartphone apps. These indicate the levels of different types of pollen in the area by giving them a score. Some people find this useful in helping to identify the type of pollen they are allergic to.”

Katie Lilywhite, air treatment expert at AO.com, has offered some handy advice for those dealing with pesky pollen in their homes. She says, “Pollen is a nuisance for anyone with hay fever, but simple steps can be taken to reduce its impact. Home comfort can be improved significantly simply by cleaning and ventilating your house to remove any unwanted particles.”

She also shared a tip on managing humidity which often exacerbates hay fever symptoms, saying, “On humid days, the air can feel thicker and bring on worse hay fever symptoms. Humidity can also form mould, which makes the allergy worse. Investing in a dehumidifier can reduce the moisture in the air, meaning the air feels fresher inside your home.”

Meanwhile, we’ve scoped out the cutting-edge tech that could play a role in easing your summer sniffles.

Alex Hudson from Dyson suggests the benefits of an air purifier, especially if it includes a HEPA filter, for those battling against seasonal allergies. He explained: “Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove pollen allergens from the air, reducing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.”

Cutting-edge tech that could play a role in easing your summer sniffles
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)

If technology doesn’t do the trick, Professor John Dickinson, from the University of Kent, recommends starting with over-the-counter remedies to reduce hay fever’s annoying effects. He advised: “Antihistamines and nasal sprays directly target allergic inflammation and are clinically proven to relieve symptoms.”

Additionally, the use of a filtered vacuum in your cleaning arsenal is implied as a means for keeping your home pollen-free.

Your vacuum could be a secret weapon against hay fever. Alex said: “The Dyson Gen5 Detect features whole-machine HEPA filtration that captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mould spores. This means allergens that are picked up stay locked inside the vacuum and are not released back into the air.”

Struggling with hay fever’s impact on your breathing?

John recommends resistance training for your lungs. “Devices like POWERbreathe, which are popular among athletes and elite footballers, can help strengthen your breathing muscles and reduce breathlessness during flare-ups, even if you have asthma,” he explains.

Or consider beating the heat and hay fever with a multitasking fan. The Midea AMS150-PBW Air Purifier Bladeless Fan (midea.com) doesn’t just keep you cool – it also removes up to 99.97% of allergens and germs, doubling as an air purifier and is touted as “silent yet powerful.”

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