Hayfever
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Hayfever is a common condition also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis that affects around 1 in 5 people in the UK. It often runs in families and is more likely to affect people who suffer from asthma and eczema. It is an allergic condition where the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, for example pollen from grasses, flowers, weeds or trees. The pollen causes the release of a chemical called histamine from cells in the nose, eyes and airways, which cause inflammation. Some people suffer symptoms all year round; they can be allergic to indoor allergens such as house dust mites, pets and indoor moulds. This is called perennial allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- Red, itchy, puffy or watery eyes
- Headaches and sinus pain
- Itchy blocked or runny nose
- Itchy throat
- Fatigue
Managing your condition
The severity of symptoms can vary, some people need medication to manage their symptoms and others can manage their condition by avoiding triggers. If treatment is needed a wide range of medications can be purchased from community pharmacies and supermarkets without seeing a doctor. These medicines are often cheaper than medicines on prescription.
How can I avoid triggers/ suggested lifestyle changes
- Keep house and car windows closed, especially when the pollen count is high (early morning
between 7am to 9am and evenings between 5pm and 7pm) - Avoid large grassy areas, woodland, cutting the grass, pollutants and car fumes
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
- When you get in from outside wash your hands, face, hair, rinse your eyes and change your clothes
- If possible stay indoors when the pollen count is high
- Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- Don’t dry washing outside to avoid pollen sticking to your clothes
- You could buy a pollen filter for the air vents in the car or use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- Don’t smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
How do I treat?
There are many products available to treat hay fever dependent upon which symptoms you are suffering. Speak to your pharmacist – for advice if you’re not sure which type of medicine is best for you and your symptoms.
Examples of products available to buy include
| Antihistamine tablets and syrup Generally effective at controlling symptoms of hayfever. | Antihistamines are more effective if they are taken before symptoms start rather than after. Some older antihistamine tablets such as chlorphenamine can cause drowsiness. Newer antihistamines are unlikely to cause drowsiness and include cetirizine, loratadine, acrivastine and fexofenadine. If you drive or operate machinery ask the community pharmacist which tablets would be best for you |
| Eye drops | If your eye symptoms are not controlled by oral antihistamines, eye drops containing sodium cromoglicate may be useful. If you wear contact lenses you should check with a community pharmacist or your optician before using eye drops. |
| Nasal sprays Useful if you suffer nasal symptoms and can be used instead of, or in addition to, antihistamine tablets. | Steroid nasal sprays suppress the allergic reaction and inflammation of hayfever and take about 3 days to work. They are best started before the hayfever season begins and used throughout the season even if your symptoms have improved. Antihistamine nasal sprays can be useful for people who have symptoms now and again. Nasal decongestant sprays are useful if you suffer from a blocked nose, however they can only be used for 7 days as longer use can cause rebound congestion and block your nose up again. You may find inhalants (eucalyptus, menthol and inhalant decongestants) helpful to ease blocked and stuffy noses. |
| Other useful treatments | Simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen) can help with headaches and sinus pain. Throat lozenges can help ease tickly throats and palates. Decongestant tablets should relieve blocked noses |
When should I seek advice?
- 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 to reduce your exposure to pollen
- If you are suffering from very severe photophobia (aversion to light), painful ears or sinuses, severe coughing and swollen lymph glands
Where can I get more information?
- NHS Choices
- Visit your local pharmacy for advice