If you suffer from hay fever, pollen triggers an allergic reaction in your body. It is almost impossible to avoid contact with pollen completely. However, you can reduce your symptoms with these ten helpful tips.

1 Keep an eye on the weather
Sunny and windy days often have high levels of pollen in the air. Before going outside, check the pollen count using an app or the internet (www.hooikoortsradar.nl).

2 Keep your bedroom pollen-free
Take a shower before going to bed, wash your hair, and brush it thoroughly. Do not bring clothes that may have come into contact with pollen into the bedroom; put them straight into the laundry. Vacuum your bedroom regularly and change your bed linen more often than usual. Also, keep the window closed if the wind is blowing toward it.

3 Use petroleum jelly
Apply a little petroleum jelly inside your nose and around your eyes. The pollen will stick to it instead.

4 Wear good sunglasses
Sunglasses not only protect you from the sun, but also from airborne pollen.

5 Don’t rub your eyes
Pollen can also get into your eyes via your hands, so wash your hands regularly. If your eyes are irritated, try not to rub them, as this will only make it worse. Placing a damp washcloth over your eyes can help reduce irritation.

6 Find out which plants and trees affect you
Learn to recognize the trees and plants that trigger your symptoms. This can help you keep your hay fever under better control.

7 Avoid irritating substances
Hay fever symptoms can worsen when you are exposed to irritating substances. Avoid cigarette smoke, paint, hairspray, chlorine, ammonia, exhaust fumes, and perfume.

8 Keep your pets clean
Do you have pets that go outside? Keep them clean. Pollen can stick to their fur when they walk past plants. After walking the dog, make sure to shake off or brush their coat.

9 Visit the beach
There is usually less pollen in the air at the beach, so your hay fever symptoms may be milder there.

10 Use hay fever medication
Did you know that hay fever is caused by histamine? Hay fever medication contains antihistamines, which can help reduce symptoms. These medicines are available as nasal sprays and tablets. If your symptoms are severe, contact your doctor.