Pollution scarves/masks effective for pollen?

SionnachOghma · 21-04-2011 09:31AM #1

Past few days I've had a wheezy cough which I'm told - by the pharmacist; now that I've finally gotten paid I'm hoping to see a doctor during lunchtime today - may be the result of a pollen build-up aggravating my allergies.

Are those anti-pollution masks they sell for cyclists any use against pollen? I take something for my allergies every day all year, but with the weather getting better my allergies are getting worse. Yesterday I had to stay home not because I was actually too sick to work, but too wheezy for the cycle and so broke I couldn't rub together €2 for a train.

unionman · 21-04-2011 12:00PM

My sympathies, I have the same cough at the moment, mostly at night. Popping an anti-histamine at night (generic Zirtek) seems to be helping, and lots of water throughout the day.

As for the masks, they are of limited use. I wore one for about a year and found it helped, but it gets very hot, they get a bit damp with sweat and breath and I think they are more trouble than they're worth.

For what it's worth, I dropped dairy from my diet and my allergic reactions improved incredibly, to the point where the odd tablet was all I needed to keep them at bay. I realise this won't work for everyone, but in the end it was more effective than the mask so the mask went in the bin.

chakattack · 21-04-2011 12:32PM

I have one of the anti-pollution scarves that I'm looking to sell if you're interested in giving it a go.

I only used to once as I found it got too hot when cycling hard. I'm more of racer than leisure/commuting cyclist.

They are selling for 21 euro here : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/respro-bandit-scarf-anti-pollution-scarf

It's yours for 8 euro if you like.

Pollution scarves/masks effective for pollen?

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