With the pollen count expected to be particularly high this season, NHS GP Dr Zoe Williams reveals some expert-backed tips for managing asthma and allergies at home — and improving indoor air quality as temperatures rise.
As the spring sunshine beckons us outdoors with the promise of bank holiday brunches and rooftop cocktails, millions across the UK are bracing for something far less blissful: hay fever season.
According to the Met Office, 20% of the UK population live with hay fever. And while most of us focus on dodging pollen outdoors, Dr Zoe highlights a surprising fact: indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
From pet dander and pollen to harsh chemical cleaners and incense smoke, your living room could be triggering more symptoms than your morning commute.
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How to manage hay fever at home
Dr Zoe’s expert guidance is a practical roadmap for transforming your home into an allergy-friendly zone this summer:
Clean with a damp cloth or mop
Dusting with a dry cloth only redistributes allergens into the air. A damp cloth traps and removes pollen more effectively.
Wash bedding and towels regularly on a hot cycle
Focus on pillowcases in particular, as pollen and pet hair can easily cling to linens and cause irritation overnight.
Keep pets groomed
Well-groomed pets bring fewer outdoor allergens inside. Regular brushing also reduces the spread of pet dander.
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Use pump sprays instead of aerosols
Aerosol sprays disperse tiny particles that can irritate the lungs. Look for fragrance-free or naturally derived alternatives.
Limit indoor burning
Candles, incense and even burnt food release indoor pollutants that may exacerbate hay fever and asthma symptoms.
Shower after spending time outdoors
This removes lingering pollen from your hair and skin, reducing the chance of spreading it throughout your home.
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Do air purifiers help manage hay fever?
According to Dr Zoe, “The best way to ensure the lowest air pollution possible indoors is to use an air purifier in the rooms where you spend the most time.”
When choosing an air purifier, look for models that use HEPA or similar high-efficiency filters, which are designed to capture ultra-fine particles like pollen, dust and pet dander. Quiet operation, energy efficiency and suitability for the size of the room it’ll be used in are also key considerations.
Dr Zoe has partnered with Blueair, a B Corp known for its medical-grade filtration technology that’s developed purifiers with allergy and asthma sufferers in mind. The brand’s models are designed to remove up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants — but they’re just one option among a growing number of air purifiers on the market that are helping people breathe easier at home.
The benefits of cleaner indoor air go beyond allergy relief. Improved air quality has been linked to better sleep, sharper focus and even enhanced mood. And while an air purifier isn’t a cure-all, it’s a powerful tool — especially when paired with thoughtful habits like regular cleaning and mindful product choices.
If you’ve always written off hay fever as something you just have to live with, this might be the season to change that.
Feature image credit: Pexels
