With the UK seeing some warm summer days of late, this can bring misery for many as pollen counts rise, triggering hay fever symptoms.

Pollen counts peak in July, and so airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, Max Wiseberg, offers some expert tips on how to survive high pollen days.

“Stop allergens getting into your home by keeping doors and windows closed, including at night. This will stop wind blowing unwanted pollen into the house,” he advised.

“Stay indoors when pollen counts are highest. Pollen is released early in the morning, then travels upwards as the air warms up. In the evening, as the air cools, it moves back down again, and the pollen grains reach nose height. Symptoms are usually worst at these times, so try to avoid going outdoors in the mornings and evenings.

“Remove pollen from your hair and clothes when you return home. Wash your face to remove pollen, or better still, take a shower to remove it from your hair and body. And change your clothes, as pollen will have collected in the fibres whilst outdoors.”

Also be careful of allowing allergens to get into your system in the first place.

Max added: “Stop allergens getting into your body when outdoors. Apply an allergen barrier balm, such as HayMax, before venturing outside. Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into and irritating the eyes. Wear a hat or cap and tie up long hair to stop pollen collecting in the hair.”

And think about your diet too, with Max suggesting: “Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthily helps to keep our respiratory system strong. Warm fluids such as tea may ease blocked nasal passages, helping you to breathe more easily. Other foods, such as nuts, grapes, oranges, apples and fresh tomatoes may help protect against wheezing and nasal allergy symptoms.

“Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink; beer, wine and spirits all contain histamine, the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in your body. In addition to making you more sensitive to pollen, alcohol can also dehydrate you, making your symptoms seem worse.”