Hay fever
Achoo! Is that the soundtrack to your summer? It doesn’t have to be with our hay fever treatments
Tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops, we have the complete range to allow you to tackle your most troublesome symptoms.
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What you should know about hay fever treatments
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen. When you inhale pollen, your immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and releases histamines, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
Hay fever season typically runs from early spring to late summer. The timing depends on the type of pollen you’re allergic to. Tree pollen is prevalent from March to May, grass pollen peaks from May to July, and weed pollen is common from late June to September.
The most common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, and an itchy throat. Some people may also experience headaches, fatigue, or asthma symptoms.
Managing hay fever involves avoiding triggers, using antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops, and keeping windows closed during high pollen counts. Regularly washing your face, hands, and clothes can also help remove pollen particles.
While there is limited scientific evidence, some people find relief from hay fever symptoms using natural remedies such as saline nasal sprays, honey, or herbal teas. However, these should be used in conjunction with medical treatments if needed.
To reduce your exposure to pollen, try the following:
Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter indoors.
Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen counts.
Avoid going outdoors in the early morning or late evening when pollen levels are highest.
Shower and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
The effects of a Kenalog injection can last for several weeks, often providing relief for the entire hay fever season. However, the duration of relief can vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of symptoms and how your body responds to the treatment.
Kenalog is a corticosteroid injection used to treat severe hay fever symptoms. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system’s response to allergens like pollen. This can provide relief from symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny or blocked nose for an extended period, often up to several weeks.
Additional information
What is hay fever?
If you could say one word to your immune system during the hayfever season, it should be CALM DOWN!. Since that is essentially what hayfever is, an overaction of your immune system to an allergen, which more often than not, pollen. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens in the air, primarily pollen. This reaction causes symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny or blocked nose, and sometimes coughing and wheezing. Hay fever typically occurs during the spring and summer months when pollen levels are at their highest, but it can also be triggered by other allergens like dust mites or pet dander.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When you breathe in pollen, your immune system mistakenly identifies it as a harmful substance and releases histamines and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This results in the symptoms commonly associated with hay fever. Various factors can increase your risk of developing hay fever, including a family history of allergies, having asthma, or exposure to environmental factors such as tobacco smoke during childhood.
Hay fever is typically triggered by pollen particles that irritate the nasal passages, leading to an allergic reaction. Various types of pollen can cause this reaction. In the UK, grass pollen is the leading cause of hay fever, but tree and weed pollen can also be significant triggers.
- Grass pollen
Around 90% of hay fever sufferers in the UK are allergic to grass pollen, which is most prevalent from mid-May to July. - Tree pollen
Approximately 25% of hay fever sufferers in the UK are allergic to tree pollen, including pollen from oak, birch, ash, and cedar trees. Tree pollen allergies are most common from late March to mid-May. - Weed pollen
Weed pollen, from plants such as dock, mugwort, and nettles, tends to be high from late June to September, contributing to hay fever symptoms during the summer months.
Pollen count is determined by analyzing air samples. These counts are often included in daily weather forecasts. Pollen levels are categorized as follows:
- Low: Fewer than 30 grains of pollen per cubic metre of air
- Moderate: 30 to 49 grains of pollen per cubic metre of air
- High: 50 to 149 grains of pollen per cubic metre of air
- Very High: 150 or more grains of pollen per cubic metre of air
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
The symptoms of hay fever can vary in severity and include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose, or ears
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fatigue or feeling unwell
These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, especially during high pollen seasons.
How is hay fever diagnosed?
Hay fever is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history. If your symptoms are severe or persist year-round, your doctor may recommend allergy testing to identify specific triggers. This can involve a skin prick test or blood test to determine which allergens are causing your symptoms.
What are the best treatments for hay fever?
There are several effective treatments available for hay fever, including:
- Antihistamine Tablets: These block the action of histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic reactions. Common antihistamines include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine.
- Nasal Sprays: Corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as Flixonase or Nasonex, help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and sneezing.
- Eye Drops: Anti-allergy eye drops, like Opticrom, can relieve itchy and watery eyes.
- Decongestants: These help reduce nasal congestion but should only be used for a short period.
Hay fever nasal sprays (Corticosteroids & Antihistamines)
Hay fever nasal sprays typically contain corticosteroids, which are highly effective at reducing inflammation and soothing nasal irritation. These sprays are applied directly to the nasal passages, targeting the area of discomfort. Even at low doses, corticosteroid nasal sprays can provide significant relief from hay fever symptoms with minimal risk of side effects. However, these low doses and local application means that their are less systemic side effects.
Prescription-strength nasal sprays for hay fever available at Medical Mojo include:
- Dymista: A combination of a corticosteroid and an antihistamine, offering dual-action relief. It’s important to be aware of potential side effects before use.
- Flixonase: Effective in managing symptoms, but be sure to understand its side effects before starting treatment.
- Nasonex
- Avamys
Additionally, antihistamine nasal sprays like Rhinolast work similarly to antihistamine tablets by blocking the symptoms of hay fever at the source.
Hay fever eye drops (Antihistamines)
Anti-allergy eye drops are designed to prevent the release of histamine, the chemical responsible for itchy, watery eyes during allergy season.
Some effective options include:
- Opticrom: Contains sodium cromoglicate as the active ingredient.
- Optilast: Features azelastine or nedocromil as its main ingredient.
These eye drops can be safely used in combination with hay fever tablets and nasal sprays to provide comprehensive relief from all your hay fever symptoms.
How can I prevent hay fever?
While it’s difficult to completely avoid pollen, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure and prevent symptoms:
- Check daily pollen forecasts and stay indoors when levels are high.
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen.
Can hay fever be cured?
There is currently no cure for hay fever, but the condition can be effectively managed with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Some people find that their symptoms improve as they get older, while others may experience lifelong symptoms.
Where can I buy hay fever treatments?
Medical Mojo offers a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription hay fever treatments, including antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. You can easily order your hay fever medication online through our website. Simply complete a short medical consultation to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for you, and we’ll deliver your medication directly to your door with fast, discreet service.
What should I do if my hay fever symptoms persist?
If your hay fever symptoms persist despite treatment, or if they are significantly impacting your quality of life, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. You may require a different type of treatment, such as prescription-strength medication or allergy immunotherapy, to better manage your symptoms.
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases
Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.
Compounding pharmacist.
