Hay Fever

Hay fever is a recurring problem every Spring and Summer, and is a common allergic condition affecting people in the UK.

Hay fever can be distressful if not managed. Complications include: impaired school and work performance, disturbed sleep, reduced concentration, possible development of asthma, sinusitis.

Symptoms

• Sneezing and coughing
• A runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
• Loss of smell
• Pain around your temples and forehead
• Headache
• Earache
• Feeling tired

Hay fever is a reaction to pollens, and the timing of symptoms will be dependent on which particular pollen you are allergic to.

Hay fever will last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks.

Treatments

At Home

• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
• Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
• Stay indoors whenever possible
• Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
• Don’t dry your washing outside to avoid pollen sticking to your clothes

Medication

Your Pharmacist can help with hay fever and speaking to them about your symptoms will enable them to give advice and suggest the best treatments. Some over the counter examples:

• Tablets — cetirizine (Piriteze), loratadine (Clarityn), acrivastine (Benadryl), chlorphenamine (Piriton)
• Eye drop — sodium cromoglycate (Opticrom Hayfever, Optrex Hayfever Relief)
• Nasal spray — Beclomethasone (Beconase, Nasobec, Pollenase.), Fluticasone (Pirinase)

This list is not exhaustive; there are many treatments and brands available. Please consult your Pharmacist and always read the label.

When to Seek GP Advice

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please speak to your GP:

• If you are experiencing wheezing, breathlessness or tightness in the chest
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If your symptoms are not relieved by over the counter treatments in combination with measures taken to reduce your exposure to pollen.