We often think of hay fever as something to consider during the late spring and summer months, but if you are a hay fever sufferer you may want to consider taking some steps now to prevent early season hay fever symptoms.

Depending on the weather over the previous six months or so, trees can start pollinating in February, which spells disaster if you are allergic to certain tree pollen. Trees that pollinate this month are alder, hazel, elm and willow, and the peak of the alder and hazel season can often start in February.

Common hay fever symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, a stuffed up nose, itchy and watery or streaming eyes, nasal congestion and a general stuffed up feeling in the nose and throat. They occur due to the body mistakenly reacting to an innocuous substance such as pollen that it sees as a threat.

Some people also experience itching around the face and mouth, including an itchy mouth, itchy roof of mouth, and a burning sensation in the throat. Headaches and wheezing can also occur, and an overall achy feeling, or build up of pressure in the entire face area. The sinus area is often the most painful.

Whether you are allergic to alder, hazel, elm, willow, or other tree pollen, like birch, later in spring, we would recommend a natural approach to prevent symptoms from occurring. One effective natural remedy is a barrier balm, such as HayMax Pure Organic Drug-Free Allergen Barrier Balm, which traps the pollen before it can enter your body and cause a reaction, preventing the onset of typical symptoms.

Barrier balms, such as HayMax, work on the prevention principle – which is unique compared to other hay fever treatments and remedies, which typically treat or ease symptoms or the effects of the pollen once they occur. Barrier balms are an effective way to prevent pollen, dust allergens and pet allergens from getting into your body.

HayMax costs £8.49 per pot and is available in independent pharmacies, chemists and health stores, as well as online at www.haymax.biz