What is Hay fever?
Hay fever is the common named used to describe the symptoms people get as a result of an allergy to pollen. It is an incredibly common issue for people in the UK, with around 1 in 5 people suffering in their life. Hay Fever is most common in summer months when pollen is at the highest levels. Those suffering from symptoms are often affected by one type of pollen the main sources being grass, trees and weeds. Each of these have high point at different times of the year and knowing this and the type of pollen that you are affected by can help you to better manage your symptoms (there is more on this at the end of the blog). Hay fever has a range of symptoms and some people get some more than others. This post will explore what the symptoms are and what you can do to help manage and treat them, both medically and with lifestyle choices.
What are the symptoms?
There are a range of different symptoms that people can experience if they suffer from hay fever they include;
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• A runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Itchy throat, mouth, nose, ears
• Loss of smell
• Pain around your temples and forehead
• Headache
• Earache
• Feeling tired
But if you have asthma you may also experience;
• A tight feeling in your chest
• Be short of breath
• Wheeze or cough
Treatments
Explore our full range of treatments here: Pharmacy First Hay Fever
While there is no cure, there are options to help control and manage the symptoms. We have broken down the treatment options into categories based of what they help manage …
Tablets
Hay fever tablets are often called anti-histamines and this is because of the way in which they fight the symptoms of hay fever. The anti-histamines limit the body’s reaction to histamines, which is a chemical released when the body thinks it is being attacked by a harmful substance (in this case the harmless pollen). As a result, you will not experience symptoms to the same extent as the medication is dealing with the histamines which are the cause of the symptoms.
The strongest medications to treat hay fever are prescription only, but they can be bough on our Online Consultation Service. This involves a quick and easy only consultation questionnaire, you will then be able to choose the medications that are appropriate for you and our Doctor prescribes this for you.
Telfast is a second-generation hay fever medication, meaning it helps treat the symptoms of hay fever while not causing drowsiness. It contains Fexofenadine Hydrochloride and comes in two strengths – 120mg and 180mg and is used to treat the more severe cases of hay fever. It is available at low prices on our website, as is the generic version of this medication. As a Prescription Only Medication (POM) it will need be ordered through our Online Consultation Service.
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is another second-generation treatment but can be bought without a prescription. It is an incredibly popular and effective treatment allowing people to manage symptoms such as sneezing and a runny or blocked nose. We sell Cetirizine in individual boxes but also in 6 month (6 boxes of 30 tablets) and 12 month supplies.
Loratadine is a third option for the relief from the symptoms of hay fever. It, like cetirizine, is available without a prescription meaning it is a great option for the majority of people who are trying to manage their symptoms. It also comes in different amounts, including; a single box, 6 months and 12 months.
Nasal Sprays
While tablets are a great treatment option and can provide a great amount of relief, they are not the only option available. Nasal sprays are another great option, and help to specifically target nasal issues caused by hay fever. Below are some of the most popular options.
As well as offering prescription strength tablets we also sell Nasonex which is a highly popular and effective prescription strength nasal spray. It helps to stop the chemicals that cause the symptoms of hay fever with a spray in the nose, this in turn stops the nose from becoming inflamed. The full range of prescription strength nasal sprays can be viewed on our website.
A non-prescription alternative is Benacort Nasal Spray, it can be used to both prevent symptoms and relieve them if they have already started. It is effective at treating nasal congestion, runny and itchy noses and sneezing, all of which are major symptoms of hay fever.
Eye Drops
Much like how nasal sprays help to tackle the nasal symptoms at the source, the same can be achieved with eye drops. This helps you to manage things such as itchy, red and watery eyes throughout hay fever season.
Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops help provide relief when your eyes are affected by hay fever. They contain the drug Sodium Cromoglicate and this makes the product effective at treating itchy, red, sore and watery eyes. The drops get to work in minutes to help relieve your symptoms quickly.
A second option is the Murine Allergy Eye Mist. This is sprayed on to closed eyes and helps protect the eyes and prevent hay fever symptoms from occurring. It provides 8 hour protection, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of hay fever.
Lifestyle Choices
While pharmaceutical options are great ways of managing hay fever and allowing you to enjoy the summer months; there are also steps you can take that will help you to be less affected. Here is a top tips to help with hay fever.
• Check the weather to see when the pollen count is highest – try and stay indoors on these days with the windows closed
• Shower and change clothes after being outside – this will remove the pollen from your body and relieve symptoms
• When you are outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes
• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen