Hay Fever
Hay fever (seasonal rhinitis) is a common allergic reaction to pollen (a fine powder released by plants) which occurs at certain times of year.
- It is extremely common, affecting around 1 in 5 people
- It can affect people of all ages, and usually begins during childhood or the teenage years
- Many people find their symptoms improve as they get older
- Around half of sufferers report that their symptoms improve after several years and even disappear completely in around 10–20% of people
- Symptoms are usually worse between late March and September, particularly when the weather is warm, humid or windy because this is when the pollen count is usually high
- Hay fever is more likely if you have a family history of allergies
Hay fever symptoms
Hay fever produces cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a runny or blocked nose, red watery eyes, itchy eyes/throat and tiredness. It can also cause a loss of smell, tiredness, earaches and pain around the forehead and temples.
Less common symptoms include headaches and hives.
If you also suffer from asthma, you might find that hay fever causes you to be short of breath, have a tight sensation in your chest and experience wheezing.
Unlike when you have a cold, these symptoms typically do not disappear within one to two weeks. Instead, they can last for several weeks or months.
Hay fever causes
Hay fever happens when the body has an allergic reaction to pollen after it comes into contact with the nose, mouth, eyes and throat. It can be triggered by different kinds of plant pollens such as grass pollen, tree pollen and weed pollen.
If you experience hay fever-like symptoms throughout the year, even during the winter when pollen levels are very low, you may have a condition known as perennial allergic rhinitis.
This is usually triggered by indoor allergens such as dust mites, mould and tiny flecks of skin or fur shed by cats, dogs, and other animals.
Hay fever treatments
Our highly trained, fully qualified pharmacists are here to provide information, advice and treatment options for hay fever. Here are some of the treatments available for this allergic condition:
Fexofenadine
This is a type of antihistamine that helps to reduce the symptoms of allergies. It comes in tablets and is available on prescription. You can also buy 120mg tablets from pharmacies. The usual dose for treating hay fever is 120mg once a day for adults and children aged 12 years and above.
Fluticasone/azelastine
Combination nasal sprays containing azelastine and fluticasone are used to treat runny or itchy noses, sneezing and other symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Azelastine is a type of antihistamine, while fluticasone is a steroid.
Azelastine
Azelastine can also be used as a standalone treatment. Available as a nasal spray, it works by preventing the effects of histamine, a chemical produced by the body that can cause sneezing, itching, a runny nose and watery eyes.
Beclomethasone nasal spray
This spray is a type of steroid, or corticosteroid, that is used to treat cold-like symptoms including inflammation of the inside of the nose.
Speak to one of our pharmacists to see which treatment options may be suitable for you.
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Pharmacy+Health provides consultation appointments and treatments for hay fever and many other common health conditions. Our pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide clinical advice and recommend the most suitable treatment for you – quickly and conveniently.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hay fever often starts in childhood and regularly occurs at the same time each year. Hay fever treatments do not cure the condition but can help control symptoms and reactions to allergens.
Our expert pharmacists can give you clinical advice and suggest the best treatments on offer.
You can reduce your hay fever symptoms by taking a number of actions. Most importantly, try to avoid pollen by staying inside and shutting windows and doors when the pollen count is high. The UK Met Office produces a pollen forecast which can help you avoid the worst times to be outdoors.
You should also avoid cutting grass, keeping fresh flowers in the house or drying your clothes outside (as they can catch pollen).
You can add a pollen filter to your car’s ventilation system and use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. After you have been outside, shower and change your clothes to wash off the pollen.
Other things you can do include putting Vaseline around your nostrils to catch and trap pollen and wearing wraparound sunglasses to reduce the amount of pollen that gets into your eyes.
Pharmacy+Health makes it simpler and more convenient to get the treatment you need. Find out more about the cost of a hay fever consultation here.
Our skilled staff have the experience and training to give you the highest quality care – every time you visit.