Tree pollen, one of the most allergenic types in the UK, is set to peak in the coming weeks, sparking concern among the estimated one in four Britons who suffer from hay fever.
Hay fever sufferers can experience a range of symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes, and fatigue.
Ruth MacEachern, a ventilation specialist from EnviroVent, has warned that a person’s home environment could be making their symptoms worse.
Ms MacEachern said: “Throughout the day, pollen clings to your clothes, hair and skin, especially microscopic particles that get trapped in the natural oils of your hair.”
She stressed the importance of showering before bed to avoid transferring pollen onto bedding and inhaling it throughout the night.
She said: “Without removing these before going to bed, you risk transferring the allergens onto your sheets meaning you breathe them in overnight for hours.
“Shower before you go to bed to avoid pollen particles attaching to your duvet and pillowcase.
“If you can, wash your hair on an evening for an extra layer of protection.”
Other habits can also help minimise exposure, including applying a small amount of Vaseline around the nose.
Ms MacEachern said: “A small amount of Vaseline around your nose acts as a physical barrier, trapping pollen particles before they enter your system.
“This is especially helpful on high pollen days and can also help to reduce irritated or dry skin.”
While many people dry their washing outdoors in spring, she advised caution.
She said: “It is important to do so on low-pollen days to reduce the risk of airborne pollen particles settling on, and sticking to, damp fabrics.”
Ventilation at key times of day is also important.
Ms MacEachern said: “Pollen counts typically peak in the early morning and early evening, so it is recommended to close your windows during these times.”
She recommended timing airflow around the home for after rainfall or on cooler days when pollen counts tend to be lower.
Proper ventilation can make a significant difference in reducing indoor pollen exposure.
Ms MacEachern said: “Poor ventilation allows indoor allergens like pollen, mould, and dust spores to become trapped, fuelling them and encouraging growth.
“Trapped indoor allergens means you’re more likely to breathe them in, increasing irritation and sensitivity to pollen triggers.
“Fungal spores, which thrive in damp, warm homes, can similarly flare up reactions.”
She shared several practical steps to remove pollen from indoor air, starting with creating a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house to encourage airflow.
Ms MacEachern said: “The ‘stack effect’ can be useful, creating a vertical pathway with windows open on the lowest and highest floors.
“The method encourages rising, warm air to be replaced by cooler air from outside.
“Ensure internal doors are open to allow air circulation and do so when pollen counts are low.”
Extractor fans can also help by removing moist, stale air that can harbour allergens.
Ms MacEachern said: “Run these in the kitchen or bathroom for a few hours a day to remove excess moisture in the air, which allergens thrive in.”
Trickle vents should be kept clean to allow continuous airflow.
Ms MacEachern said: “When these are blocked, indoor air isn’t able to escape.
“To clean, open them fully and use a soft-brushed vacuum to remove any dust particles. After this wipe them down with soapy water and dry fully to prevent mould growth.”
She also recommended using HEPA vacuums, which trap at least 99.97 per cent of particles including pollen, dust, and mould.
For long-term relief, she suggested considering a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system.
Ms MacEachern said: “These systems operate 24/7 trapping dust, pollen, and other allergens, supplying a consistent stream of filtered fresh air.
“By making small changes in your home, you can significantly reduce everyday exposure to pollen, keeping symptoms at bay and making them more manageable throughout the hay fever season.”
