As the days get longer and the flowers begin to bloom, many of us look forward to enjoying the warmer weather. However, for some, this beautiful season can bring with it the unwelcome symptoms of hay fever.
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction to pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds. It can affect people of all ages and can make everyday activities quite uncomfortable.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
Common symptoms can 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 the sides of your head and your forehead
- headache
- feeling tired
The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person and can sometimes feel quite debilitating.
What can you do to help manage your hay fever?
While there’s currently no cure for hay fever, there are several things you can do to help manage your symptoms:
- Check pollen forecasts: Stay informed about the pollen levels in your area and try to limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high.
- Take precautions outdoors: Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen. Consider showering and changing your clothes after being outside to remove pollen. Keep windows and doors closed at home and in your car, especially during peak pollen times.
- Over-the-counter remedies: Antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops can often provide relief from mild to moderate hay fever symptoms. Your local pharmacy can offer advice on suitable options. Find a pharmacy.
- Consider prescription treatments: If your symptoms are severe or over-the-counter medications aren’t providing enough relief, please book an appointment to discuss other treatment options. We can assess your symptoms and discuss prescription medications, which may be more effective for you.
When to seek advice from us
While many people can manage their hay fever with self-care and over-the-counter remedies, it’s important to seek advice from us if:
- Your symptoms are severe and significantly impacting your daily life.
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping to control your symptoms.
- You have other underlying health conditions, such as asthma, which may be affected by your hay fever.
- You are unsure about the best way to manage your symptoms.
For more detailed information and advice on hay fever, you can visit NHS Inform.
We are here to help you navigate the hay fever season and find the best ways to manage your symptoms so you can enjoy the spring and summer months.