THACKLEY TRUMPIT MAY 2014 HEALTH MATTERS - HAY FEVER

Health Matters - Hay fever?

By Consultant Pharmacist - Nick Parmar

Now the summer weather is on its way, some of you may have noticed your nose has been itching, or you’ve been sneezing more than usual...

What is hay fever?

Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitisis) is an allergy caused by pollen grains released  during the pollen season which normally runs from March to November in the UK.

What are the symptoms?

Common hay fever symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, mouth and throat. Less common hay fever symptoms are headaches and hives.

How can it be relieved?

Although it is very difficult to avoid exposure to pollen there are a number of measures you can take that will help you to minimise exposure and ease the severity of your hay fever symptoms. Following these steps may help provide some relief from your symptoms:

Keep windows closed when at home and overnight. Most pollen is released in the early morning and falls to ground level in the evenings when the air cools.

When outdoors, wear sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. Hay fever sufferers can experience itchy eyes when coming into contact with pollen spores.

Avoid drying your clothes outside when pollen counts are high. If you do, shake items before bringing them inside. 

Keep car windows closed when driving and fit a pollen filter to reduce the impact of pollen spores.

When indoors, there are a number of useful tips to reduce the impact of hay fever symptoms such as: vacuuming regularly, avoid bringing fresh flowers indoors, and be aware that pets can bring pollen in on their fur.

Don't allow smoking in the house as this will irritate the lining of your nose, eyes, throat and airways, making your hay fever symptoms worse.

After being outside, shower and wash your hair to remove pollen.

Hay fever sufferers can benefit from a wide range of medication which can be prescribed by your GP, or alternatively purchased over the counter here at the Pharmacy. 

OTC treatments include:Antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays – 

Antihistamines treat hay fever by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it is under attack from an allergen. This prevents the symptoms of the allergic reaction from occurring. Antihistamines are   usually effective at treating itching, sneezing and watery eyes, but they may not help with clearing a blocked nose.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops - Corticosteroids (steroids) are used to treat hay fever because they have an anti-inflammatory effect. Corticosteroids (steroids) are used to treat hay fever because they have an anti-inflammatory effect and also can help treat a blocked nose.

Nasal decongestants - 

A decongestant, in the form of a nasal spray, can relieve blocked nose. Decongestants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which opens your nasal passage and makes breathing easier.

Eye drops - 

Eye drops are available from your pharmacist to treat the hay fever symptoms that affect your eyes, such as redness,     itchiness and watering. These drops contain antihistamine to reduce the inflammation in your eyes, which will relieve the symptoms.
Please do not hesitate to come and speak to us if you are  suffering this pollen season so we can help you find the most suitable OTC treatment for you!