Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, and one in four people in the UK suffer from it. It isn’t a curable condition but can be controlled. This is because the body sees it as harmful and overcompensates to protect itself. An allergen such as pollen will stimulate specific cells in the body that in turn release "histamine" to protect against it. The histamine release causes symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
- Wheezing and coughing
- Red itchy rash
- Asthma and eczema symptoms
Allergies
Allergies are your body’s way of reacting to certain foods or substances, and the most common allergic reactions are:
- Grass and pollen
- Dust mites
- Animal hair
- Insect bites & stings
- Latex
- Mould
- Nuts
Allergy Treatments
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most common types of treatment for hay fever and are available as tablets, as a liquid, eye drops and nasal sprays.
They work by stopping the release of histamine when the body comes into contact with it, and should relieve and ease symptoms of hay fever. Available as liquid antihistamines and tablets.
For persistent hay fever, you can get a prescription for Telfast which is a non-drowsy medicine and works in the same way as over-the-counter medicines. However, it has been found that Telfast is more effective in some patients who don’t get sufficient relief from anything else.
It’s available as a 120 mg and 180 mg tablet. Depending on how bad your hay fever is, our online consultation can advise you on the best option.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays such as Nasonex and Mometasone are another effective allergy treatment. They will stop the immune response that causes the histamine release, as well as stabilising all the cells around the area to stop allergens from entering and causing irritation.
Please note: long term use of nasal sprays should be avoided as they can cause irritation, the skin inside the nose to thin well as raise pressure inside the eyes. However, this doesn’t affect everyone.
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