We look at the symptoms of hay fever, what you can do to ease allergies, NHS suggestions and natural remedies that are suitable for adults and kids

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Hay fever is miserable, especially when everyone else is enjoying being out in the sunshine. It's even worse for babies and children who cannot understand why their eyes and noses are streaming.

In the UK, hay fever tends to start late March and can carry on right through to September. It's usually worse when it's warm, windy and humid as this is when the pollen count is at its highest.

Pollen is a fine powder that comes from plants and hay fever is an allergic reaction to this pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat..

Read more - It'’s like Russian roulette’ - mum shares how her son copes with having 28 severe allergies

We look at the symptoms of hay fever, what you can do to ease allergies, NHS suggestions and natural remedies that are suitable for adults and kids.

And we talk to mum Nathalie Newman on the award-winning Brummie Mummies podcast about how she helps her son who has 28 allergies. Listen here

Unlike a cold, hay fever tends to last for weeks or months. Symptoms of hay fever include:

If you have asthma, you might also:

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hay fever and no way to prevent yourself or your child from suffering from it. However, there are certain things you can do to help ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high. NHS advisors offer the following suggestions for yourself or your child:

wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes

shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off

keep windows and doors shut as much as possible

vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth

buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter

try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities

See your GP if your symptoms are getting worse. They might be able to prescribe a steroid nasal spray or immunotherapy

Your pharmacist will have additional ideas, such as antihistamine drops or tablets

Honey made in your local area is said to help as the bee pollen in honey can desensitise your body to other pollen. Studies suggest that increasing honey in your daily dietary intake could reduce hay fever symptoms significantly. Ideally start before the season begins.

Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine with bioflavonoids, which have powerful anti-allergy effects and work as a natural decongestant. Try to take 1,000mg of vitamin C a day (less for children) or up your intake of oranges, lemons and grapefruit.

Chamomile tea is an antioxidant and antihistamine, which contains flavonoids that act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Drink a cup each day and then pop the tea bags into the fridge to use as an eye compress to soothe and cool swollen, itchy eyes.

Vaseline can block pollen from entering the nasal passages if you spread a thin layer inside your lower nostrils.

Onions are said to be an excellent natural source of quercetin, which acts as a natural antihistamine, together with other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. Raw red onions have the highest concentration so try adding them to sandwiches, salads and tips. If this is too much for kids, cook onions and add them to pizza, bolognese and cottage pie.

Maybe not a popular one with kids, but garlic can help boost your body’s immune system, while also acting as a decongestant, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. Hide it in casseroles and pizza toppings and they'll never know!

Carrots can provide a good source of carotenoids, which work as powerful antioxidants to help reduce inflammation in your airways and improve your immune system. You'll also find carotenoids in apricots, sweet potato and spinach.

It's a good idea to shower when you come in from outside and to regularly wash your clothes and bedsheets. The pollen gets caught in hair and in the fibres of clothes so it's best to get rid of it as soon as you can.

Some people have reported that their symptoms have eased as a result of acupuncture, reflexology, relaxation and self-hypnosis.

do not cut grass or walk on grass

do not spend too much time outside

do not keep fresh flowers in the house

do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse

do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen

be wary around pets during the summer – they can carry pollen indoors

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