As Spring arrives, many of us look forward to getting back out in the garden to enjoy the warmer brighter days. For some, it brings the dreaded spring allergies. Here are Angel Training’s top tips so you can get back to enjoying the great outdoors!

Hay fever

If you suffer badly with Hay fever there are a few simple tricks you can use to help alleviate your symptoms;

• Wear sunglasses and hats with a brim to protect the pollen from coming into contact with your face.
• Avoid going outside especially when the grass has been recently mowed.
• Put vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen.
• Wash your face regularly with cold water and wash all clothes at the end of each day.
• Avoid having flowers indoors, opt for the artificial versions instead.
• Keep windows and doors shut.
• Damp dust and vacuum frequently.
• If you find your eyes are sore try placing cut cucumber rounds on them.  This should help reduce puffiness and soothe the itching.

There are a number of medical options which you could discuss with your GP or pharmacist. This includes nasal sprays, anti histamines, or eye drops. If you suffer badly you may be offered immunotherapy. This is where you are given a small amount of the allergen to gradually build up your immunity.

Bee and Wasp Stings

If you are allergic to one, it does not mean you automatically will be allergic to the other. The bee will sting leaving the barb behind, while the wasp will sting and fly away unscathed.

• Use  insect repellent and apply frequently.
• Wear long sleeve t-shirts and loose fitting trousers, (linen is ideal) making sure to avoid bright coloured clothing.
• Be sure to stick with non scented sun creams/lotions and to avoid perfumes or hairsprays.
• Keep all food and drink covered when eating outside.

If despite the above methods you still get stung, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area immediately. It is likely the area will swell so remove any jewellery, and raise the affected area.

If the bite or sting is to the face, near the eyes or inside the mouth then it is always advisable to seek medical assistance. With a bee sting the barb gets left behind. You must remove this. Do this by scraping at the barb with a credit card. Don’t use tweezers as you will push on the venom sack pushing more venom into the body.

Asthma

If you do suffer with allergies, it is likely you may also have Asthma. Be sure to always carry your inhaler with you, and take your prescribed dose of your blue reliever inhaler during an attack.  You should always seek emergency medical assistance if:

• You do not have your inhaler on you.
• If your reliever is not helping after an increased dosage.
• If your symptoms are getting worse, despite taking your inhaler.
• Or if you are worried.

If you know someone who has severe allergies that affects their breathing (Anaphylaxis) they may carry an auto injector pen with them. This is a shot of adrenaline which is designed to reduce their symptoms; however people with Anaphylaxis are at risk of needing CPR.

If you want to brush up on your CPR skills or find out more about anaphylaxis. Then feel free to contact us.