Hay Fever & Allergies
Hay fever & Allergies is caused by a response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander). 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. Different medications can be used for treatment of Hay fever and Allergies such as Piriton Syrup, Otrivine, Loratidine etc
Symptoms of Hay Fever
Symptoms of hay fever include:
- 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
If you have asthma, you might also:
- have a tight feeling in your chest
- be short of breath
- wheeze and cough
Hay fever will last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks.
Treatments
Antihistamines – these can be in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids or nasal sprays; some brands need a doctor’s prescription
Nasal decongestants – these are available as a spray or drops; they help to unblock your nose but should only be used for a short time (up to three days) as they’re addictive
Eye drops and hay fever eye drops – these can relieve itchy eyesIf you have hay fever.
You can find all different types of treatments on the PPRX website here
Try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high, which is usually between late March and September.
You can check the pollen count in your area on the Met Office here
Pharmacists Can Help
A pharmacist can give the best advice to all your allergy treatment concerns. With PPRX you can get free pharmacist advice online via chat/email/whats app or book a video consultation. The different ways to speak out pharmacists can be found here.
When to see your GP
You should visit your GP if your symptoms are getting worse and your symptoms do not improve after taking medicines from the pharmacy.
