Hay Fever

              My daughter Charlotte has suffered from hay fever from a very young age.        At the beginning I would presume it was a flu, because the symptoms are very similar, but I was soon to find out that she was allergic

            I took a few steps to help with Charlotte’s hay fever and thought I would share them……

                   Hay fever is a seasonal allergy triggered by the inhalation of pollen or moulds……

     Symptoms;

n      Sneezing

n      Runny nose

n      Teary eyes

n      Itchiness

                Dust mites are the most common offender. Certain proteins in its secretion and faeces often trigger allergic reactions. Dust mite tend to be more present in beds, shaggy rugs, carpet and soft toys. You can reduce the number of dust mite by;

n      Using special dust mite protectors for pillow and quilts

n      Washing bed linen and soft toys each week, you can also try adding eucalyptus or tea-tree oil in the wash

n      You should avoid sheepskins or woollen underlays

n      If you have carpet make sure it is vacuumed once a week. If you have the time you can do it twice, it does help

n      When dusting the furnisher, it is better to used a damp cloth

n      Avoid chemical sprays, air filters and electric blankets

n      Keep the house dry and well ventilated

           Charlotte didn’t have the allergy to mould, but here are a few tips on it. When mould is the culprit for hay fever, it is advised to avoid certain foods and drinks, such as;

n      Any drink or food made by fermentation process, eg; beer ,wine and vinegar

n      Cheeses, especially blue vein cheese

n      Mushrooms

n      Any fermented or pickled foods. Including soy sauce

                  You never really get rid of all dust mite, but following some of these points helped reduce out breaks, and keep Charlotte’s hay fever under same           control ……

                  I hope this helps…….