Using a Pollen Filter to Prevent Hay Fever

If you are a hay fever sufferer, especially one who has been struggling with the allergy for a long time, you are likely familiar with most of the mainstream hay fever therapies such as nose sprays or monitoring the pollen count. While modern hay fever therapies do work well for many people, those who find little or no relief due to aggressive hay fever symptoms will continue to be frustrated with their condition as they look ahead with hope to new hay fever treatments.

Nasal Plug for Hay Fever

Fortunately, there is a great deal of ongoing research into hay fever, including research into new, effective treatments for hay fever. One recent treatment that is undergoing research is a nasal plug. Researchers in Australia believe this is a promising new way to prevent the miserable hay fever symptoms before they even start.

The plug has a sticky filter that traps pollen grains before they can get into the nasal cavity. The logic is that if the pollen can't get into the nasal cavity, it won't be able to trigger the allergic reaction that leads to the miserable symptoms of hay fever such as a runny nose and irritated, watery eyes.

While monitoring the pollen count is a good defence against hay fever, the nasal plug can better help prevent the bothersome hay fever symptoms. According to researchers, even they were surprised by how effective the nasal plugs were at reducing hay fever symptoms. Another benefit of the nasal plugs is that they are created in such a way that they don't affect breathing.

The aim is that the nasal plug will allow for a relatively simple alternative to drug-based hay fever treatments. Some people prefer to avoid drug treatments for hay fever due to side effects or worries about intolerance and rebound symptoms while others just don't find them effective enough to treat hay fever symptoms. Some of the preliminary trials of the nasal plug actually found it surpassed current medications, although more research is still needed.

Using the Nasal Plug to Prevent Hay Fever

The use of the nasal plug for hay fever sufferers is relatively easy and comfortable. A person would just fit in the plug when they know they will be outside, particularly if the day is one where the pollen count is quite high. In this way, the nasal plug can help you to enjoy the outdoors even when the pollen count is excessively strong. Still, the nasal plugs are not able to completely protect a person from pollen. Given the enormous variation in the anatomy of the human nose – different shapes and different sized nostrils – the nasal plugs will not be a perfect fit for everyone.

Another challenge involves mouth-breathing. For some people, putting something in their nose can make them breathe through their mouth. If pollen enters through the mouth, it can result in symptoms of irritation and burning, both of which can ultimately leave a reaction similar to that seen in people who suffer from asthma. Yet, the research into the new nasal plug is still overall very promising and positive. Researchers are also optimistic that the nasal plug could aid in relieving other types of allergies – not just hay fever.

Availability of the Pollen Filter for Hay Fever

Unfortunately, we are still a couple of years away from commercial availability of the nasal plug for hay fever, but by that time, we will at least know more about its effectiveness and use. For now, you should see your doctor about the best options for preventing and treating your hay fever. You can take measures now while looking forward to the availability of a nasal plug in the coming years.