aw basics

The top 10
... ways to deal with summer bouts of hay fever

TRAVEL PARTNERS

1. First, know your enemy – hay fever is also referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis and is caused by an allergic response to pollen. Symptoms include congestion and sneezing and there are about three million sufferers in the UK.

2. Treatments include antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and anti-allergy treatments, but see your doctor first and he may recommend the best.

3. Sleep with your windows closed.

4. Wear glasses to protect your eyes.

5. Avoid hanging your sports clothes outside to dry as they will pick up pollen from the air.

6. Put Vaseline on the lining of your nose.

7. Shower before you go to sleep.

8. Be careful using antihistamines as some of them cause drowsiness, which won’t help you if you are trying to train or race well.

9. Anti-allergy jabs are a last resort, but they can be expensive and are usually available only to people with severe symptoms.

10. A good diet can help reduce symptoms – so consume less sugar and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Nettle tea and homeopathic treatments are also thought to help.