Inside the fake MMR claims that struck fear into generations of parents

Hay Fever Symptoms: Best Way To Ease Symptoms Revealed

As we move further into spring, the pollen count across the UK is expected to rise, bringing with it the unwanted menace of hay fever.

Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever occurs when the body reacts to histamine, a substance released in response to allergens such as tree pollen and grass pollen.

Grass pollen levels peak in May and June and weed pollen counts remain high over the summer - around 6 months of the year can stimulate hay fever symptoms.

Hay Fever symptoms

Sneezing

Runny/ blocked nose

Itchy/ watery eyes

Fatigue

Sinus pressure

How to prevent hay fever

Apply petroleum jelly around the nostrils to catch pollen before it can enter your system

Keep windows closed to limit pollen entering the home

Wash clothes after being outside to rid them of any trapped pollen

Shower after being outside to wash away any pollen from skin and hair

Wear sunglasses to limit pollen entering the eyes

How can you ease hay fever symptoms?

Navin Khosla, Pharmacist at Now Patient, recommends antihistamines as the best way to reduce overall inflammation caused by hay fever.

While he recommended decongestant nasal sprays if you are suffering from a blocked nose or sinus pressure.

Mr Khosla said: "Hay fever can be a debilitating illness for many, affecting millions of people across the UK. With pollen counts being higher earlier this year, knowing the causes, symptoms and remedies for the reaction is important.

"If you are finding yourself struggling with hay fever and the associated symptoms, you may want to discuss this with your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments. These can include antihistamines for excessive sneezing and itchiness; decongestion nose sprays for blocked nose or inflamed passages; and eyedrops for discomfort in the eyes caused by the reaction.

"If symptoms do not ease then it is advised that you visit your GP who may be able to prescribe more intense treatments for your hay fever.

"There are also a few home remedies that can lessen hay fever symptoms. These include placing Vaseline around your nostrils to catch pollen before it enters your systems, therefore keeping histamine production at bay.

"For blocked noses and sinus discomfort, steaming your passageways can help loosen the blockage - alternate this with cold compresses to help relieve pain and inflammation in your sinuses. Local honey is often also advised, if it is made locally it is likely a result of the local pollen, therefore you can slowly build up your immunity through ingestion.

"Unfortunately, there is no 'cure' for hay fever and therefore taking the necessary precautions to limit or prevent symptoms can make high-pollen seasons that bit more bearable."   

Top Five Reasons Why Amber Teething Necklaces Are A Bad Idea

3-month-old baby with amber teething necklace

Getty

Any product which includes words such as natural, ancient, calming, soothing, anti-oxidant, gentle or immune-boosting, especially when the market audience is parents of young children, is destined to be a big seller.  And so it has been for the past five or so years, where the trendiest of babies sport amber beaded necklaces with fake powers, but real dangers.

The pseudoscience of these little gems lies in the material, Baltic Amber (that's right, straight from the Baltic region). Because Baltic Amber can be many millions of years old, the sheer 'ancient-ness' of it somehow gives it some extra street cred at the corner juice bar, fashionista preschool, or yoga studio. The necklaces, claimed to help relieve pain of teething, are ironically comprised of baby-tooth-sized pieces of amber, to be worn around an infant's neck. The claim is that amber releases a substance called succinic acid, which will be absorbed by the skin when amber is at body temperature. Succinic acid is supposed to have some analgesic effect, thereby easing pain. While there is no scientific study demonstrating the evidence of such an effect occurring from wearing amber, succinic acid can be released from amber, but only if the amber is heated to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Ouch.

While pediatricians have known for as long as these products have been on the market that these necklaces of nonsense have shown no evidence of helping ease teething pain, but carry with them real risks, it took an FDA warning to finally make some headlines.

And here are the top five reasons not to have an infant or child sport these. Nor should an adult caregiver wear one around his or her neck as a teething toy for a crying babe:

These little nuggets on delicate chains or cords are choking hazards. Big time.  In 2010, the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with the Consumer Products Safety Commission, issued updated 'small parts' regulations for children under age three years. Their statements mandated that toy products with parts smaller than specified dimensions need to provide safety warning labeling in order to prevent choking in infants and toddlers. This size is equivalent to about the size of the cardboard innards of a roll of toilet paper.  Any part smaller than this is considered unsafe for young children. The notion of chewing on tiny choking risks, with purpose no less, is absurd.

These little chokers are, indeed, chokers: strangulation hazards.  Some of the necklaces come on thicker cords, the clasps are strong, and infants can easily get strangled by them.

They don't work any better than placebo. Maybe buy a big chunk of amber and rub it on a baby's cheek for a few minutes.  Just don't get it near their mouth. Or heat it to 400 degrees.  Should work just as well as the necklace.

While they are not inordinately expensive (prices range from $8.99 to about 20 bucks), they're a total waste of money.

Now that the word is out on the real dangers (and one recently publicized death of a toddler),  you'll look a lot smarter if your teether is sucking on a good old plastic frozen teething ring, or even a large plastic or wooden toy.  They may not be as stylish, but they help the smart, non-asphyxiated teether feel better. And they're safe.

Best Baby Teething Remedies - Including Which Vegetables Work Best

Teething and a cranky baby often go hand-in-hand. The pain, itchy gums, slight fever and constant dribbling is enough to make anyone irritated, and as a parent we'd do anything to make our babies feel better.

The first tool we usually go for is a rubber teether. But sometimes teethers won't cut it and our babies need a little extra medicinal help to get rid of the awful teething pains.

So we've researched and found the best medicinal and homoeopathic teething aids that can help soothe baby.

If you're unsure about whether your baby is teething or not, here's advice from our dentist Dr Tania Tanna on spotting the symptoms and what to do when your baby starts to show signs of teething.

We've also got some great tips on how to feed a teething baby.

More like this Now see the best teething aids granules and gels available on the market... 1. Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules, £5.85 for 24 sachets

Type: Granules

Suitable from: 3 months

Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules, our bronze award winner, are part of the same company that own Rescue Remedy. So when it comes to calming herbal remedies, the historic brand certainly know a thing or two.

Similar in price and ingredients to its closest rival, Ashton & Parsons Infants' Powders, each box contains 24 sachets which you can sprinkle on your baby's tongue.

MFM tester Rachael says: "When my daughter's crying and her teeth are hurting, one little sachet of this calms her down so she can eat or sleep peacefully. It clearly makes her feel better."

Available from: Amazon, Boots and Asda

2. Ashton & Parsons Infants' Powders, £5 for 20 sachets

Type: Powder

Suitable from: 3 months

One of the most iconic teething remedies on the market, Ashton & Parsons Infants' Powders have adorned the medicine cabinets of parents for 150 years and the recipe has remained the same ever since.

Containing Tincture of Matricaria, extracted from German chamomile plants, it's similar to the ingredients of other homeopathic remedies on our round-up and it's a gentle, natural, herbal recipe to ease teething symptoms such as tender gums, flushed cheeks, dribbling and general fussiness.

It's also administered in the same way – directly onto the tongue – so it's relatively easy to use while you're out and about.

Available from: Amazon and Boots

3. Weleda Chamomilla Granules, £5.95

Type: Granules

Suitable from: Birth

Best known for its nourishing, natural skincare products, Weleda is a pioneer in green beauty and its Chamomilla Granules contain only two ingredients; sugar and Matricaria chamomilla radix (chamomile root extract).

Unlike similar homeopathic products on the market – Ashton & Parsons Infants' Powders, Nelsons Teeth Teething Granules and Boots Pharmaceuticals Teething Pain Relief – they can be used from birth and they're vegan, which is two big plus points.

The Chamomilla Granules can also help babies with colic, another good reason to give them a go, and they can be dissolved in boiled water for smaller babies.

Available from: Weleda, Amazon and Holland & Barrett

4. Cheeky Monkey Organic Cheek Rub for Teething, £7.50 for 30ml

Type: Oil

Suitable from: 3 months

The only oil and cheek rub on our round-up, this clever product blends oils like Arnica (to relieve inflammation), Sweet Almond (softening), Lavender (to calm) and Spearmint (antiseptic) to help relax and soothe restless little ones during teething.

It also includes chamomile, the key ingredient in all homeopathic remedies on our round-up.

The difference is this oil is applied externally – on the cheeks of your baby and a little goes a long way, so while it's on the pricier side on our list, it does work out to be good value over time.

An added bonus is the beautiful smell you and your baby are left with after you've applied!

Available from: Amazon, Amber Pumpkin and Organic Monkey

5. Boots Pharmaceuticals Teething Pain Relief, £3.99 (for 24 sachets)

Type: Granules

Suitable from: 3 months

High street hero Boots is always on hand for baby essentials and it even has its own version of teething granules – the final homeopathic remedy on our list. Boots Pharmaceuticals Teething Pain Relief contain Chamomilla to help ease all the grisly symptoms of teething and they work just like name branded teething granules.

The real difference is in the price; at over £1 less, they're better value than Nelsons, Ashton & Parsons and Weleda, so perfect if you're on a budget.

Unlike Weleda's Chamomilla Granules, they do contain lactose, so won't be suitable if you're after a vegan product or if your baby is intolerant.

Available from: Boots

6. Anbesol Liquid, £5.99 for 15ml

Type: Liquid

Suitable from: Five months

If you really need to up the ante on your baby's teething, many mums swear by Anbesol Liquid.

In fact, it's the most-mentioned product for what works for parents when it comes to a teething little one. A local anaesthetic and antiseptic, it's the only product on our list you'll need to get directly from the pharmacist.

Also available as a gel, the liquid is most popular with mums as it's super simple to use; just apply undiluted to the affected area using a clean fingertip.

New guidance on teething suggests you should try massage or teething toys first (take a look at our article on Are baby teething gels safe?).

Available from: Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy

7. Chilled Vegetables

Type: Food

Suitable from: 6 months

A slice of squishy cucumber, a frozen stick of carrot or a sliver of red pepper – sounds simple enough, but many parents swear by the uncomplicated power of cool vegetables for relieving the misery of sore gums. Without a doubt the easiest teething solution on our list, simply slice up, serve and watch as your baby chews away to numb those gums. Good to have on standby if you can't get to the pharmacy or you want to save some cash, plus you'll be getting your little one used to trying out different flavours – double win.

Available from: The grocery shop

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