Hay Fever:

This is becoming an increasingly common problem with about 10% of the UK population being affected each year. It usually develops before the age of 20 and treatment is, thankfully, usually effective. Although widely regarded as a problem of the summer months, people can be affected by hay fever from as early as March right through to late Autumn time. This is because hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollens or moulds and although grass pollen is the most common cause, typically causing problems in the Summer months, tree pollens and moulds can cause problems at other times of the year.

Hay Fever can cause a whole variety of symptoms which can vary in severity from a mere irritation to an extent where they can significantly affect one’s daily life. These include:

Itchy and watery red eyes
Blocked and runny nose
Sneezing
Sore, dry throat
A feeling of chest tightness and wheeziness

Hay Fever can be considered a consequence of the body's immune system over-reacting to pollens causing the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals.

Tips to minimise exposure to pollen:

Take heed of the pollen forecast and try and stay indoors, keeping doors and windows
Shut as much as possible when the pollen count is high.
Try wearing wrap around sunglasses outdoors.
Consider an air filter for the car and keeping car windows shut.
Avoid mowing the grass and outdoor activities such as picnics and camping.
Close bedroom windows before the evening as pollen descends as the air cools.

Treatment options:

Antihistamine tablets or medicine - many people are able to control their symptoms by using antihistamine preparations on either an as required or regular basis. Several different preparations are available both over the counter at pharmacies and on prescription. The newer type antihistamines (eg, fexofenadine, cetirizine and loratadine) are as effective as the older types (eg, chlorpheniramine [Piriton]) and have the advantages of a single daily dose and a reduced potential for causing drowziness

Anti-inflammatory nose sprays - these can be used either in addition to, or in place of, antihistamines. They act locally on the nose reducing inflammation causing nasal symptoms and also help with the symptoms of itchy, watery red eyes. However, they take several days to reach their full effectiveness and need to be taken regularly to keep symptoms at bay. Several types are available on prescription and to buy over the counter. It is important not to confuse anti-inflammatory nose sprays with decoAnti-inflammatory nose sprays – these can be used either in addition to, or in place of, antihistamines. They act locally on the nose reducing inflammation causing nasal symptoms and also help with the symptoms of itchy, watery red eyes. However, they take several days to reach their full effectiveness and need to be taken regularly to keep symptoms at bay. Several types are available

Anti-inflammatory eye drops - these work in a similar way to nasal sprays and have the advantage of working quite quickly so, as in common with anti-histamines, these may be taken as required or regularly if the symptoms are occurring each day.

Inhalers - a minority of people develop asthma-type symptoms such as chest tightness, breathlessness and wheezing in association with the more common hay-fever type symptoms. For these people an inhaler may be necessary during the hay-fever season.

Most people who are troubled with hay fever develop similar symptoms at similar times of the year, each year. It is a good idea to ensure a supply of medication is to hand, particularly if anti-inflammatory nose sprays are to be used as these should ideally be started 1-2 weeks before the hay fever symptoms are expected.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.