Hay Fever – how to manage your Hay Fever

It is that time of the year again! Most patients can manage hay fever symptoms without the intervention of a GP. Please take a moment to note the contents below, and when to contact a GP about your hay fever.

Hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen. The symptoms of hay fever are caused when a person has an allergic reaction to pollen. Common hay fever symptoms are:

  1. a runny, itchy and/or blocked nose
  2. sneezing
  3. itchy eyes

Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. Pollen contains proteins that can cause the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.

How to treat hay fever

Most hay fever symptoms can be controlled with over-the-counter medication at your local pharmacy.

  1. Steroid nasal sprays help to prevent or reduce inflammation in the lining of the nose and some can help to relieve watery eyes.
    Available from your local pharmacy (now includes products previously only available on prescription)
  2. Antihistamines help to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, itching and watery eyes. Some types of antihistamines make you drowsy and are best taken before bed. Newer antihistamines are less likely to make you drowsy and are a common choice for children and people with milder or occasional symptoms of hay fever.
    Available from your local pharmacy. (now includes products previously only available on prescription)
  3. Decongestant nasal sprays and tablets are used to unblock the nose. They should never be taken for more than a few days at a time.
    Available from your local pharmacy.
  4. Eye drops can be used to treat itchy or watery eyes.
    Available from your local pharmacy.

Only if none of the above treatments are effective for you after trying them for at least 4 weeks, please call the surgery to discus your symptoms and previous self-treatment regime with a GP

Useful Links

  1. NHS – Hay fever
  2. https://www.allergyuk.org/information-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/11-hay-fever-allergic-rhinitis
  3. Met Office – Pollen forecast