Hay Fever

[Bewster]

Never suffered from this up to about 2-3 years ago when I noticed that I get it quite mildly. This year however I've got the full itchy eyes, sneezing etc. 

What strikes me as odd is that how can I not suffer from it for years and then suffer ?

Any good tips/advice to help combat ?

Cheers

[Ardiles]

I had it very badly as a child.  (Tree bark was the killer for me, which did not sit well with my love of climbing trees.)  I then grew out of it in my 20s, only for it to return in my 30s.  It's a curse.

From what I can tell, the best way to treat does vary from person to person.  For me, Flixonase is a miracle drug.  I started taking it again about a week ago, and will probably continue for another couple of weeks.  Makes a huge difference.

[Forza_Swindon]

I get it too, varies in severity from year to year (the worst year was when I was at uni, any time I went near an open window it resulted in a sneezing fit - not fun when all my mates were outside on the lawns).

Combination of drugs and natural remedies for me:

First and foremost, I find Clarityn works a treat
Every day, take a spoonful of the most locally-produced honey you can get your hands on (apparently this builds resistance to local pollens)
Elderflower cordial is supposed to soothe the symptoms
Wash hair/change clothes in the evening to get rid of any pollen which might still be clinging to you

All of this has helped me no end - might be different for others though, seems to be a highly individual thing!

[Abrahammer]

I thought i suffered from it quite badly but reading the above i should probably be classed as a mild sufferer.

Anyway i just use any generic supermarket own brand Hayfever & Allergy relief tablets and it does the trick perfectly.

[Chubbs]

Mines hit of miss, some years its non existant, other years my eyes puff up a treat.

I find clarityn or zirtek work a treat, pay for a good quality antihistamine (sp) as i find the cheap ones dont do shit or only last for an hour.

[Benzel]

I used to get horrific hay fever in my teens. To the point that it ruined entire summers but it's pretty much non existant now bar a few sneezing fits.

[china red]

Unfotunately I suffer from asthma, hay fever and Ezcema.  The hayfever started when I was about 18 years old and was pretty mild (for years wondered why I always got summer colds!).  Got to 23 and it hit me big time getting worse year after year to the point that for 3 months from April I could hardly sleep at night.  I took various medicines with little effect but found that using becotide (asthama inhaler) on a double dosage reduced symptoms considerably.  Also found that coffee worked at reducing the itching for about 30 minutes.

In the end I found a great cure for both asthma and hay fever - moving to China.  Even though this must be one of the most polluted places in the world both of these ailments have all but disapeared.  It's wonderful (however, will probably die of cancer in my 40's).

[Flashheart]

I get in right slap bang in the middle of Bangkok, fuck knows how. I can suffer quite bad and be out of action for a day or longer if I'm not careful.

Anti-histamines work for me, no particular brand. I also need to shower and change my clothes when I get in otherwise it'll just carry on. If I'm still suffering after that I OD on anti-histamines. I can't do much after that but the irritation subsides and they give a nice mellow buzz to sleep on.

[Ardiles]

You have just reminded me of my other hayfever cure...Scotland.  When I was suffering badly in the early 2000s I can remember stepping off a train in Glasgow and noticing that the hayfever had completely disappeared.  There's obviously some science behind that as well - because in the spring, when every third advert on TV down here is for a hayfever remedy, there is nothing up there.  People just don't suffer there like they do here.

[Bewster]

Where I live I am surrounded by fields, trees and sea - perhaps I should move to somewhere more polluted.

Sounds like I haven't got it anywhere near as bad as some of you - its just more noticeable this year.

[london_red]

Used to get it quite bad in my late teens/early 20's. Last few years I've found taking Antihistamines (find Cetirizine works best) from March until September has eradicated pretty much all of the problem.

[Ardiles]

People just don't suffer there like they do here.

...but they do have to suffer the midges, which are even worse.

[Bewster]

...but they do have to suffer the midges, which are even worse.

and Scots.........

[tans]

Just smoke crack

[Bewster]

Just smoke crack

I've gave it up for lent