Why the City Makes Your Eyes Water

Summer is on its way; music festivals, BBQ’s, and countryside jaunts await, and with these the sneezing, wheezing and watering eyes which can ruin it all. Dr Adrian Morris, world allergy expert, is here to alert us to some common misconceptions about hayfever, and give some top tips for avoiding the summertime blues this year.

Hayfever is part of the summer many of us dread. And with Britain slowly warming, and the number of diesel cars increasing, the situation is set to get worse. In fact you are far more likely to suffer from hayfever in a city as you are in the countryside. So if you are a sufferer, don’t stick to the city to avoid allergic flares, get to the countryside for some fresh air!

Many Brits don’t realise that diesel exhaust particles are at the root of many urban hayfever sufferers’ pain. Pollen particles bind themselves to the exhaust residue on cars, making it highly potent. With diesel vehicles currently making up around 40% of new cars being sold, this is a massive problem for hayfever sufferers.

New research, commissioned by Kleenex, shows that young women suffer most from the symptoms of hayfever. And of all those questioned between 16 and 24 years of age, a massive three quarters complained that they suffered from hayfever.

Dr Morris’s Top Tips for avoiding Hayfever hell

• Let it out – gently blowing your nose will help eradicate the pollen grains and diesel residue from your respiratory system.
• Dousing your nose with salt water will also help flush out the pollen particles. Applying a little petroleum jelly to the lower nostrils will also help.
• Try and avoid both heavily congested traffic areas and parks. And remember, if you’re out and about don’t forget your tissues, antihistamines and water!

1. By: marshallbenwhit
2. Categories Entertainment, How To
3. Views 654
4. Added :19-May-08
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