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Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The exact time of day to hang out your bed sheets and towels to avoid the dreaded pollen bomb of hay fever symptoms
Around 16 million people could benefit from drying washing indoors this summer BREATHE EASY The exact time of day to hang out your bed sheets and towels to avoid the dreaded pollen bomb of hay fever symptoms Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH the sun shining more it can be very tempting to hang your laundry out to dry in the garden. However, experts are warning people against drying their sheets outdoors as it could leave them feeling awful. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Experts are warning people against drying their sheets outdoors as it could leave them feeling awful Credit: Getty 3 Pollen can cling to anything which could worsen your symptoms Credit: Alamy 3 Some of the ways that you can lesson the symptoms A sizzling heatwave is on the horizon for Brits this month, which will please most sun lovers. And many people will love the chance to hang their wet washing outside and let it dry naturally. However, experts have warned against this if you have hay fever, as it could lead to symptoms including itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing - getting worse. Tiny articles of pollen can stick to everything including your hair and clothes and once it gets inside your home it can settle on sofas, carpets, and bedding. Allergy expert, Deborah Grayson, working with appliance brand Hisense, explained: 'When you hang clothes up outside during high pollen season. "They act as a pollen net as fabrics can trap microscopic particles easily, especially in heavier weaves like towels or bed linen. 'When you bring your laundry inside, you bring those allergens straight into your living space and for sensitive individuals, that's enough to trigger hours – if not days - of dreaded symptoms.' Grayson said that drying clothes and bedding in a tumble dryer can cost more in electricity than hanging your clothes outside. But that 'For someone battling allergies, the trade off isn't always worth it'. What is hay fever: Hayfever season strikes early as mild winter sparks early pollen 'explosion' However, she explained that if you do want to dry your clothes outside, you should hang them out earlier in the day. 'Pollen counts rise in the morning, peaking at midday and then start to fall. "Drying clothes early in the morning and not leaving them out all day can be really helpful," she explained. Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist, neuroscientist and sleep expert at And So To Bed, provided other tips on how to keep hay fever at bay this summer. How to know if you have Hay Fever Hay Fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. Hay Fever can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after one to two weeks. Typical symptoms include: Frequent sneezing Runny or blocked nose Itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) An itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears Cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose) Less commonly, you may also experience: The loss of your sense of smell (anosmia) Facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses) Headaches Earache Tiredness and fatigue If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever. Keep your head elevated Symptoms associated with an allergy are usually worse at night. This is because when we lie down, the mucus cannot drain in the same way it would when gravity is helping, leading to disturbed breathing or a cough caused by a post-nasal drip. For this reason, you should aim to keep your head slightly elevated at night if you are struggling with allergies. This will bring gravity back into the mix, allowing excess mucus to drain and not pool and lessening the irritation. Shower before bed Taking a shower before bed will wash away any pollen that may have clung to your skin and hair from outside. Instead of transferring this onto your bed linen, make a habit of washing yourself before bed. This is also a great tip for when we still start to experience warmer evenings again as a cool, not cold, shower will help to lower your body temperature making it easier to drift off to sleep. Keep windows closed during the day It might be tempting to open the window a fraction to let some fresh air in on a sunny spring day, however, if you're a hay fever sufferer, you try to keep your windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home. Having your windows open during the day will allow pollen particles to blow in and settle on your clothes, bedding and other soft furnishings within your room, making your symptoms much worse when it comes to bedtime. Invest in an air purifier Investing in an air purifier is useful for those with hay fever as it will remove pollen and dust particles from the air that trigger your symptoms. This can be extremely beneficial for clearing your sinuses, which should allow you to fall asleep quicker and more comfortably as a result. Elsewhere, an allergy expert recently revealed the 8 things all hay fever sufferers need to do. Plus, here are four cheap tricks to beat hay fever season without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Met Office has warned of hay fever hell approaching, with pollen levels swarming to 'high' in much of the UK from today. And finally, the 6p supplement that will help prevent the agonising symptoms of hay fever.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
The exact time of day to hang out your bed sheets and towels to avoid the dreaded pollen bomb of hay fever symptoms
WITH the sun shining more it can be very tempting to hang your laundry out to dry in the garden. However, experts are warning people against drying their sheets outdoors as it could leave them feeling awful. 3 3 3 A sizzling heatwave is on the horizon for Brits this month, which will please most sun lovers. And many people will love the chance to hang their wet washing outside and let it dry naturally. However, experts have warned against this if you have hay fever, as it could lead to symptoms including itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing - getting worse. Tiny articles of pollen can stick to everything including your hair and clothes and once it gets inside your home it can settle on sofas, carpets, and bedding. Allergy expert, Deborah Grayson, working with appliance brand Hisense, explained: 'When you hang clothes up outside during high pollen season. "They act as a pollen net as fabrics can trap microscopic particles easily, especially in heavier weaves like towels or bed linen. 'When you bring your laundry inside, you bring those allergens straight into your living space and for sensitive individuals, that's enough to trigger hours – if not days - of dreaded symptoms.' Grayson said that drying clothes and bedding in a tumble dryer can cost more in electricity than hanging your clothes outside. But that 'For someone battling allergies, the trade off isn't always worth it'. What is hay fever: Hayfever season strikes early as mild winter sparks early pollen 'explosion' However, she explained that if you do want to dry your clothes outside, you should hang them out earlier in the day. ' Pollen counts rise in the morning, peaking at midday and then start to fall. "Drying clothes early in the morning and not leaving them out all day can be really helpful," she explained. Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist, neuroscientist and sleep expert at And So To Bed, provided other tips on how to keep hay fever at bay this summer. How to know if you have Hay Fever Hay Fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. Hay Fever can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after one to two weeks. Typical symptoms include: Frequent sneezing Runny or blocked nose Itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) An itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears Cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose) Less commonly, you may also experience: The loss of your sense of smell (anosmia) Facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses) Headaches Earache Tiredness and fatigue If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever. Keep your head elevated Symptoms associated with an allergy are usually worse at night. This is because when we lie down, the mucus cannot drain in the same way it would when gravity is helping, leading to disturbed breathing or a cough caused by a post-nasal drip. For this reason, you should aim to keep your head slightly elevated at night if you are struggling with allergies. This will bring gravity back into the mix, allowing excess mucus to drain and not pool and lessening the irritation. Shower before bed Taking a shower before bed will wash away any pollen that may have clung to your skin and hair from outside. Instead of transferring this onto your bed linen, make a habit of washing yourself before bed. This is also a great tip for when we still start to experience warmer evenings again as a cool, not cold, shower will help to lower your body temperature making it easier to drift off to sleep. Keep windows closed during the day It might be tempting to open the window a fraction to let some fresh air in on a sunny spring day, however, if you're a hay fever sufferer, you try to keep your windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home. Having your windows open during the day will allow pollen particles to blow in and settle on your clothes, bedding and other soft furnishings within your room, making your symptoms much worse when it comes to bedtime. Invest in an air purifier Investing in an air purifier is useful for those with hay fever as it will remove pollen and dust particles from the air that trigger your symptoms. This can be extremely beneficial for clearing your sinuses, which should allow you to fall asleep quicker and more comfortably as a result. Elsewhere, an allergy expert recently revealed the 8 things all hay fever sufferers need to do. Plus, here are four cheap tricks to beat hay fever season without breaking the bank. And finally, the 6p supplement that will help prevent the agonising symptoms of hay fever.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Warning to anyone hanging bed sheets out in their gardens to dry
Despite the rising temperatures and warmer conditions, Brits have been advised against hanging their laundry to dry outside, particularly if anyone in their household suffers from allergies A sizzling heatwave is on the horizon for Brits this month, with temperatures poised to exceed 30C for the first time this year. With that in mind, many people will rejoice at the chance to haul their wet washing outside and let it dry naturally. Not only does it smell fresher, but it's far more economical than chucking it all in the tumble dryer. However, experts have warned against this, particularly if you have hay fever, as it could lead to worsened symptoms including itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Pollen can stick to everything from your hair and clothes to your pets, and once it makes its way inside your home it can settle on sofas, carpets, and bedding. Allergy expert, Deborah Grayson, working with appliance brand Hisense, explained: 'When you hang clothes up outside during high pollen season, they act as a pollen net as fabrics can trap microscopic particles easily, especially in heavier weaves like towels or bed linen.' She added: 'When you bring your laundry inside, you bring those allergens straight into your living space and for sensitive individuals, that's enough to trigger hours – if not days - of dreaded symptoms.' But how can we combat this? Grayson said that while drying clothes and bedding in a tumble dryer can cost more in electricity than hanging your clothes outside. 'For someone battling allergies, the trade off isn't always worth it'. However, if you do want to dry your clothes outside, you should hang them out earlier in the day. Grayson explained: 'Pollen counts rise in the morning, peaking at midday and then start to fall. Drying clothes early in the morning and not leaving them out all day can be really helpful.' For some people, their hay fever is worse this year than in previous seasons. Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp told us that this was due to a 'perfect storm of conditions' that involved a mild winter followed by a sudden, warm spring leading to high tree pollen levels 'being released all at once'. She added: 'In addition, longer growing seasons due to climate change, as well as increased air pollution, can make pollen more potent and increase allergic reactions.' Dr Misra-Sharp recommended checking the daily pollen forecast on the Met Office website and keeping windows closed when the pollen levels are particularly high. She also suggested wearing wrap-around sunglasses to reduce eye exposure, and applying a small amount of petroleum jelly around the nostrils to trap pollen particles. Meanwhile, Dr Helen Evans-Howells, a GP and allergy specialist, echoed the idea of drying laundry indoors. She also suggested showering after being outside, taking antihistamines, and being aware of when high pollen count days occur. She added: 'Hayfever symptoms are at their worst on high pollen count days, windy days and during thunderstorms. During a thunderstorm or a windy day, pollen circulates more and is inhaled, triggering reactions.'
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Pharmacist warns hayfever sufferers not to take everyday medication due to dementia risk
With so many different hacks to help battle hayfever, one pharmacist has advised against taking one common medication due to links to dementia risks fom every day use As Brits bask in the sunshine, it can be glorious to be able to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather - but it can be miserable for those suffering with hayfever. Nearly one in four people in the UK battle hayfever and other allergies in the summer, and any sufferer will know the struggles it can bring, and with loads of hacks on how to combat the allergies, one pharmacist has warned against taking daily antihistamines. While taking antihistamines can help mask the symptoms at their peak, some people have advised to take one every day to stop the symptoms in the first place. However Deborah Grayson has taken to TikTok to address growing concerns about the long-term safety of over-the-counter allergy medications - particularly those that cause drowsiness. READ MORE: GP warns of food allergy that may be mistaken for hay fever Known as the "Godmother of Pharmacology", Deborah said there is a "distinct risk" of developing dementia from long-term use of sedative antihistamines, due to their impact on brain chemistry. Answering the common question "Can you take an antihistamine everyday?" Deborah said: "In short, yes you can, especially if you're using it for allergies, hayfever, seasonal rhinitis, allergic rhinitis and the problem is there consistently. "I would always advise taking a non-drowsy antihistamine as opposed to one that causes drowsiness because the drowsy antihistamines interfere with the neurotransmitters in the brain and if we're using those long term, there is a distinct risk of dementia as a result of this," she added. Deborah further stated that it "interferes with a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine" and warned if you're taking a sedative antihistamine such as Nytol or Night Nurse to help you sleep "that's really not something that you want to be taking everyday." The expert added: "Sometimes they might be prescribed by the GP for a particular reason and that's fine but if we're just looking for simple sleep support, then I would advocate not taking it on a regular basis." However Deborah said that while non-drowsy antihistamines are "generally safe and effective for daily use" the sedative varieties can actually "interfere with brain chemistry in potentially harmful ways." Drowsy antihistamines interfere with the brain's release of a vital chemical called acetylcholine, which plays a critical role in memory and cognitive function, she explained. Studies have shown that lower levels of this neurotransmitter are linked to the development of dementia, including Alzheimer's. According to Mrs Grayson, long-term interference could increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases over time citing several studies, including a 2015 research paper that tracked more than 3,400 adults aged over 65 between 1994 and 2012.
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Top pharmacist warns against over-the-counter medication taken by millions - it could raise dementia risk
Regularly taking a common hay fever remedy could substantially increase your risk of developing the memory robbing condition dementia, a pharmacist has warned. The warning comes amid unusually high pollen levels hitting the UK, leaving many sufferers turning to the medicine cabinet for help. But pharmacist Deborah Grayson said you may want to think twice about which drug to opt for to treat the sneezes and itchy eyes. In the TikTok clip, which has already racked up 17,000 views, the pharmacist of 30 years warned the one in four Britons who suffer hay fever to not rely on allergy remedies that cause drowsiness. She explained this was because some versions of the hay fever drugs — called antihistamines — have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. 'I would always advise taking a non-drowsy antihistamine as opposed to one that causes drowsiness because the drowsy antihistamines interfere with the neurotransmitters in the brain,' she said. 'If we're using those long term, there is a distinct risk of dementia as a result of this.' Mrs Grayson, who works with the Nutritional Medicine Institute, said such drugs interfere with acetylcholine — a natural chemical in the brain — which plays a critical role in memory and cognitive function. @tgopharm Can you take an antihistamine every day? It depends what you are taking and what it is for. Sedative ones come with a greater risk. If you have a question pop it in the comments #antihistamine #allergyseason #hayfever #medicationsideeffects #dementia #pharmacist ♬ original sound - The Godmother of Pharmacology 'If you're taking a sedative antihistamine such as Nytol or Night Nurse to help you sleep, that's really not something that you want to be taking everyday,' she said. She added: 'Sometimes they might be prescribed by the GP for a particular reason and that's fine but if we're just looking for simple sleep support, then I would advocate not taking it on a regular basis.' Instead, Mrs Grayson's urged people to take what she called second-generation antihistamines like Cetirizine and Loratadine which don't carry the same level of risk. But she added it was best for hay fever sufferers to see if a few easy lifestyle tweaks could help provide relief rather than relying on medications. 'One of the simplest tricks is to physically block the pollen from entering your system. Rubbing a small amount of Vaseline around the inside of your nostrils can help trap pollen before it causes problems,' she said. 'Wearing sunglasses outdoors can protect your eyes, and staying indoors when the pollen count is particularly high, usually early in the morning or late in the evening, can prevent a major flare-up. 'Showering and changing clothes after being outside can help wash away any lingering pollen, and keeping windows closed, especially at night, can stop pollen drifting in while you sleep. 'If you suffer badly, using a fan with a HEPA filter in your bedroom can also help reduce pollen in the air and give you a better night's sleep.' While multiple experts have spoken about the dementia risk of some hay fever medications and urged patients to choose alternatives, evidence on the dangers remains mixed. Dr Anthony L Komaroff, an experienced family doctor and editor in chief of the Harvard Health Letter, said while he thinks twice about using such drugs, the science was not yet settled. 'In the past decade, several studies have suggested that these pills might increase the risk of dementia, while other studies have found no risk. And all the studies are inherently flawed,' he said. Studies that have found a link between the drugs and dementia include one 2015 paper that tracked the brain health of more than 3,400 participants over 65 years old between 1994 and 2012. Researchers found there was a link between increased doses of anticholinergics — drugs that interfere with the brain's release acetylcholine like hay fever medications — and those that developed dementia. Separate 2024 research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, also revealed a link between antihistamines and dementia. In that study experts used data from Taiwan 's National Health Insurance Research Database from 2011 to 2017. It included more than 700,000 patients with recent-onset hay fever. They were split into groups — those that didn't take antihistamines and those that did. Around 900,000 Britons are currently thought to have the memory-robbing disorder. But University College London scientists estimate this will rise to 1.7 million within two decades as people live longer. It marks a 40 per cent uptick on the previous forecast in 2017 After making adjustments for pre-existing medical conditions, the researchers found there was a dose-dependent increase in dementia risk from taking the drugs. Hay fever drugs aren't the only anticholinergic medications commonly taken. Other examples include some sleep medications, those treating urinary incontinence, nausea, muscle tension and Parkinson's disease. In December last year, a British study on more than a million people found taking anticholinergics was linked to an 18 per cent increased risk of a dementia diagnosis. Men were slightly more vulnerable — their increased risk was 22 per cent, compared to women at 16 per cent. Dementia is a condition has multiple causes. Two of the most common are Alzheimer's disease and a reduced blood flow to the brain following a stroke, the latter being known as vascular dementia. Dementia affects an estimated one million people in the UK. Recent analysis by the Alzheimer's Society estimated the overall annual cost of the dementia to the UK is £42billion a year, with families bearing the brunt. An ageing population means these costs—which include lost earnings of unpaid carers—are set to soar to £90billion in the next 15 years. A separate Alzheimer's Research UK analysis found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the country's biggest killer. While dementia is incurable treatments can combat symptoms and sometimes slow progression.
