How can I minimize allergy to pollen from trees & grass?

My doctor claims there is nothing that can be done. She suggested wearing a gauze mask.

My Dr. told me to have a teaspoon of local honey everyday (the stuff that you get at farmers markets not the mass produced stuff). My allergies have improved since I started doing that.

@shego Interesting concept. Sort of like homeopathy since you would be getting a taste of the local pollens.

@shazalakazoo You have limited options. Did you go to an allergist to get your shots? If not, you need to go to a local allergist. Try that again.

Try the local honey as @shego recommends.

Try another allergy drug. Learn to live with it. Or move to an area where you don’t react to the local pollens. Not one of these areas.

shego had an excellent idea. Local honey is very good for allergies.

I think the only thing you can do is either try your doctor to see if there are any stronger drugs, or just quit the outdoor activities.

One thing that does help for me though – my allergy affects mostly my eyes, and I find that washing my face frequently is helpful.

I was going to suggest a mask. Also pollen is highest in the earlier part of the morning from what I understand. Get a filter for your bedroom. Plan two one week vacations during the worst months to get relief. It’s no different than planning a tropical vacation in the middle of winter.

Move to a state with lower pollen counts, or different pollen concerns. The American south is unbelievable when it comes to pollen, I am always stunned at how much covers everything in May, especially when I lived in NC. Up north ragweed in September was quite bad for people. when I lived in southeast FL I don’t remember people suffering from allergies like when I live more north, but I guess they must? The pollens would be a different variety though. I never had my car or pation furniture covered in pollen when I lived in southeast FL. I think I remember parts of California have very low counts, and living near the beach on the northeast? Not sure.

I use a steroid nasal spray. It’s over the counter so not particularly strong but definitely takes the edge of nasal symptoms. I use chlorphenamine (piriton) tablets which are the older drowsy type antihistamine but I find them much more effective than any of the non-drowsy type like clarityn.

Working in a operating theatre is also a big help. HEPA scrubbed air is wonderful.

In addition to the above, I suggest that you get a neti pot and use it with a saline rinse when you come in from training. Also, rinse your hair to remove any pollen that may have gathered there.

There was a New York Times article a couple of months back citing a study that debunked the “local honey against allergies” remedy. It doesn’t work because the kind of pollen used by bees to make honey is not the same kind of airborne pollen that causes seasonal allergies.

@YARNLADY It is impossible to wearing a mask in full training or game on 30 celsius degree.
@shego I tried that. Honey build your immunity just a little bit but do not ease my simptoms
@marinelife I tried with injection but it didn’t do a lot. I am not from the USA and everywhere that I can move there are the same situation. Also I am playing for my club and do not want to leave it.
@JLeslie I can not plan my vacation in that period because of work and games I’m playing.
@Lightlyseared I tried many drugs without success but will try to find it and try it. Thanks.
@tedibear Tried even that without solving my problem.
@drdoombot Exactly.

Does anybody know for some mask for nose and mouth that can be used with full training, running and high temperatures and that have good ventilation and filter pollen?

I would think pollen spores are very big, and fairly inexpensive masks would work. Maybe try Home Depot and see what they have. Or, a medical supply place. Some have metal that mold to your nose so it really helps keep out everything, but they feel more stifled, so for sports it would probably not be comfortable.

@shazalakazoo Here is a product that was developed/invented in the USA, but is more known/used in other countries: Nasal Screens

I have not tried them yet, but will be purchasing them before autumn (I get hay fever). You can see ratings for the product on Amazon

As for other ways to cut down on pollen:
* Take your allergy pill at night, that way it will be most beneficial to you when pollen is at its highest (early AM).
* Always wash your hair before bedtime
* Wash your bed linens (especially your pillow case) in hot water and only go to bed with clean hair
* When you aren’t using a mask or nasal screens, make certain to use a saline spray (easier to carry with you than a neti pot)
* Blow your nose often to reduce the pollens in your nose
* We have found that Vitamin D supplement works well to help build immunity. You can easily take a drop a day

All of my family members have pollen/grass & mold allergies. Prevention is the best way to solve this issue. Mark your calendar for next year around the middle of March…become as proactive as you can.

Another thing I find really helps is wearing shades.

@SpatzieLover Thank you for your advices. I will try those nasal screens. Maybe this will help me keeping playing during that period of pollen allergy.