20% of the population are affected by allergic rhinitis.*Royal College of Physicians 2003 Report Allergy the Unmet need

Simple management tips that will help reduce symptoms include:

• Wearing wraparound sunglasses whilst outside.
• Sleeping with the windows closed at night, or invest in pollen screens.
• A smear of Vaseline around the nostrils will help prevent pollen going on to the soft tissues inside the nose.
• Washing your hair and changing your clothes when you get in from work or school stops pollens from being taken into the bedroom, preventing symptoms that can cause disturbed sleep.
• Starting medications such as antihistamines and eye drops a couple of weeks before your symptoms usually rather than waiting until you get the tell tale symptoms of hayfever will help keep things in control.
• Taking medications everyday throughout the season, not just when it is warm and sunny will also help manage symptoms more effectively.

Reference

[1] Walker S, Khan-Wasti S, Fletcher M, Cullinan P, Harris J, Sheilh A,. 2007. Seasonal Allergic rhinitis is associated with a detrimental effect on examination performance in United Kingdom teenagers: Case control study.