Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. It tends to affect people in the spring and summer, as pollen count rises
According to the NHS : "Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid, and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest." Sufferers will usually get a runny nose, itchy eyes, and an itchy throat, amongst other symptoms.
It's estimated that up to half the population suffer from hay fever. There are a number of things you can do at home to ease symptoms, as well as additional treatments from health care professionals.
READ MORE: When does hay fever season start in the UK?
Symptoms of hay fever
The main symptoms of hay fever that are listed by the NHS are:
- 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
You may have more severe symptoms if you also have asthma. Hay fever symptoms can last weeks or months.
Remedies that actually work
The most obvious choice for hay fever sufferers is antihistamine tablets. You can ask your pharmacist about which type of antihistamine tablet is best for you. They are usually taken once daily. Other effective remedies are
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Putting Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
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Wearing sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
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Showering and changing your clothes after you have been outside to wash any pollen off
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Stay indoors whenever possible
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Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
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Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
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Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car
Things to avoid
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Cutting grass or walking on grass
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Spending too much time outside
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Keeping fresh flowers in the house
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Smoking - it makes your symptoms worse
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Drying clothes outside – they can catch pollen
When to see a GP
You can usually treat hay fever yourself or with the help of a pharmacist. However, you should see a GP if your symptoms are getting worse or your symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy.
Your GP might prescribe a steroid treatment, such as a steroid nasal spray. If these treatments do not work, your GP may refer you for immunotherapy This means you'll be given small amounts of pollen as an injection or tablet to slowly build up your immunity to pollen This treatment usually starts in the winter about 3 months before the hay fever season begins. Immunotherapy is a specialist service that may not be available everywhere.
