Breathe Easier This Summer: Hay Fever Advice and Support

Posted by: philheiden - Posted on:

As the days are longer and the flowers blooming, many of us are enjoying the warmer weather. However, for some, the spring and summer months can bring with it the unwelcome symptoms of hay fever.

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction to pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds. It can affect people of all ages and can make everyday activities quite uncomfortable.  

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

Common symptoms can include:

  • sneezing and coughing
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • itchy, red or watery eyes
  • itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
  • loss of smell
  • pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
  • headache
  • feeling tired

The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person and can sometimes feel quite debilitating.  

What can you do to help manage your hay fever?

While there’s currently no cure for hay fever, there are several things you can do to help manage your symptoms. Management of hay fever typically involves avoiding triggers when possible and using medications such as antihistamines, eye drops, nasal decongestants and corticosteroids. A specialist treatment called immunotherapy is reserved for severe cases following review with a hospital specialist.

Top tips:

  • Check pollen forecasts: Stay informed about the pollen levels in your area and try to limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high.
  • Take precautions outdoors: Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen. Consider showering and changing your clothes after being outside to remove pollen. Keep windows and doors closed at home and in your car, especially during peak pollen times.  
  • Over-the-counter remedies: Antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops can provide relief from mild to moderate hay fever symptoms.
  • Your local pharmacy can offer advice on suitable options.  
  • Find a pharmacy.
  • This is little else that we can offer on prescription for hay fever, the majority of treatment is available over the counter. The anti histamine Fexofenadine, widely regarded as the superior choice for hay fever which used to be prescription only is now available in Pharmacies/supermarkets. Steroid nasal sprays and anti histamine eye drops are also available over the counter.

When to seek advice from us:

While the vast majority of people can manage their hay fever with self-care and over-the-counter remedies, you can seek advice from us if:

  • Your symptoms are very severe and significantly impacting your daily life.
  • You are using all available over-the-counter treatments and this is not helping to control your symptoms.
  • You have other underlying health conditions, such as Asthma, which may be affected by your hay fever.  

For more detailed information and advice on hay fever, you can visit the NHS website here: nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/ and Allergy UK has good advice here: Hay Fever and Allergic Rhinitis | Allergy UK | National Charity

Please be aware that in line with NHS guidance, we do not offer steroid injections for hay fever and that courses of oral steroid medication are not routinely recommended, these are reserved for very severe symptoms or in specific circumstances such as exams and weddings etc.

Please get in touch if you require assistance