Which hayfever remedy is best?
Take our quick 4 question test to find out which hayfever remedy is best for you
Take the test now!Congestion is another hayfever symptom that can have an impact on our sensory perceptions. When the membranes lining the passages in the nose become swollen or irritated it has a knock on effect on our sense of taste and smell. In this page, our hayfever advisor Louise Baillie explores the underlying causes of congestion and recommends the best home and herbal remedies to treat your affliction.
Congestion occurs when the membranes lining the nasal passages become inflamed. This narrows the nasal passages making it more difficult to breathe. As your sense of smell is affected, your sense of taste will change. If nasal congestion affects your ears, you might find that they will feel ‘blocked’.
Hayfever can be a cause of nasal congestion. It occurs because the body’s immune system mistakes pollen for a threatening virus, and as a result produces excess mucus to trap the virus, triggering an allergic reaction.
Congestion is a common symptom of many conditions including hayfever, colds, flu and any infection of the upper respiratory tract. For this reason, there are many home remedies which have been used to ease this irritating symptom.
As the cause of your congestion is hayfever, then treating this should bring the most effective relief from your symptoms.
For example, Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets combine seven different herbs which help to target the body’s abnormal reaction to pollen. This will help not only to ease nasal congestion, but other symptoms associated with hayfever.
If you are looking for a herbal remedy specifically for nasal congestion, you may find that Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray brings you much needed relief. It reduces inflammation of the mucous lining of nasal passages, without breaking down the body’s natural protection.
Decongestants are available over-the-counter in the form of tablets or nasal sprays. They help to reduce sinus inflammation and pressure, allowing you to breathe more easily. Decongestants should not be used consecutively for more than three or four days as prolonged use often worsens congestion.
If your congestion is causing you to suffer from sinus pain, then you may find that painkillers help to relieve this symptom. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to find a painkiller specifically for sinus pain.
However, decongestants and painkillers both ease the symptoms of congestion but do not target the hayfever at the root of the problem. A doctor or pharmacist is likely to suggest anti-histamines to reduce the body’s production of histamine in response to the pollen allergen. Some anti-histamines cause drowsiness so should not be taken if you are driving or working machinery.
Looking for relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever?
A.Vogel Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops contain hyaluronic acid (from vegetable source) and can be used for quick relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever. Suitable for contact lense users.
To find local independent stores in your area that sell A.Vogel Pollinosan Hayfever Eye drops, simply type your postcode below.
Take our quick 4 question test to find out which hayfever remedy is best for you
Take the test now!Stay up to date with the latest pollen information by finding your local pollen forecast from over 30,000 locations across the UK.
Get your local pollen count nowWhat you eat can have a dramatic effect on your hayfever symptoms. While anti-inflammatory and natural anti-histamine foods can help control your symptoms, foods containing dairy and foods rich in sugar can actually make them worse.
7 simple hayfever nutrition tipsDiscover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!