Although many welcome the warmer weather and sunshine, the arrival of summer can bring unpleasant symptoms for many Brits. Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, is thought to affect 16 million people in the UK.
This pesky condition is an allergic reaction to pollen and can cause symptoms like sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, itchy throat and headaches.
While there is no cure, there are known ways to manage and alleviate symptoms, including two over-the-counter medications.
Jana Averovska, Head Pharmacist Click Pharmacyrecommended the best way to treat hay fever.
She said: “Hay fever is extremely common, with one in five people experiencing symptoms at least once in their lifetime.”
“It’s actually a type of tree or grass pollen allergy, and as such tends to be more common in people who are prone to allergic reactions, such as those with eczema or asthma.”
“Generally, hay fever is most noticeable between March and September, as this is when trees and flowers are in full bloom and release pollen into the air.
“Warmer, more humid weather creates updrafts that help pollen travel farther, which is where we often come into contact with pollen.”
“Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and common side effects include itchy and irritated eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and even coughing. In some cases, it can lead to sinusitis, headaches, earaches, and facial pain.”
“Thankfully, there are some pretty effective ways to combat these unwanted symptoms.”
She specifically recommended two medications to treat hay fever, both of which are available over the counter at pharmacies.
“One of the best ways to reduce the effects of hay fever is to take antihistamines,” says Jana.
“In particular, the use of cetirizine and loratadine is recommended for the treatment of hay fever, both of which are easily found at your local pharmacy and most supermarkets.”
“Some people find one more effective than the other, so it’s worth trying each one and finding which works better for you.”
But she also noted some potential side effects. Yana said: “Cetirizine doesn’t make you drowsy, but it is known to make one in 10 people feel tired, which means you shouldn’t take it if you’re likely to drive a car or work with heavy machinery.”
“Loratadine, on the other hand, is a non-drowsy antihistamine that can still cause fatigue, although this occurs much less frequently – around 1 in 100 people.”
She continued: “In addition, there are steroid nasal sprays and sedative eye drops that can help reduce the effects of pollen reactions.”
“Pharmacists will be able to advise you on the best product to suit your symptoms, and if you don’t want to take medication, there are also a variety of ways to make sure you stay comfortable during hay fever season.”
She recommended:
- Apply Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes
- When I get home, I immediately take a shower and get changed.
- Vacuum more regularly and dust your furniture with a slightly damp cloth.
