Hayfever

Do you have mild to moderate hayfever that needs treatment?

Speak to your pharmacist today about how they can help you.

Hay fever is a common condition also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis and affects around 1 in 5 people in the UK. It often runs in families and is more likely to affect people who suffer from asthma and eczema.

It is an allergic condition where the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, for example pollen from grasses, flowers, weeds or trees. The pollen causes the release of a chemical called histamine from cells in the nose, eyes and airways, which cause inflammation.

Symptoms include:

 •         Sneezing

•         Itchy, blocked or runny nose

•         Red, itchy, puffy or watery eyes

•         Itchy throat

•         Headaches and sinus pain

•         Fatigue

What can I do to help?

You can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high:

·         Put Vaseline around your nostrils and wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes.

·         Shower and change your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash pollen off.

·         Stay indoors whenever possible and keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.

·         Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.

Treatments available to buy over the counter include antihistamine tablets or liquids, steroid nasal sprays, and sodium cromoglicate eye drops.

Always read the information leaflets provided with the medicine before you take them or use them.

Click here for more information.