During the summertime, up to 20% of individuals in the United Kingdom grapple with hay fever, scientifically referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis. This condition arises due to an allergic reaction to pollen and fungal spores, typically affecting the mucous membranes in the nasal passages and eyes. Consequently, symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a congested or runny nose manifest.
Pollen triggers hay fever symptoms because the body's immune system overreacts to it, perceiving it as a harmful substance. Typically, symptoms begin when the pollen count, which measures the number of pollen grains per cubic meter of air, surpasses 50. Consequently, weather conditions can significantly influence the severity of symptoms; sunlight can elevate pollen counts, wind can disperse pollen, and rain can decrease the count.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hay fever vary among individuals, but the most common ones include:
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Coughing
- Itchy throat
- Wheezing
Hay fever is considered a chronic condition without a definitive cure. Nevertheless, for most individuals, symptoms tend to alleviate with age, with complete remission occurring in up to 20% of cases.
Diagnosis
In most cases, mild to moderate hay fever can be effectively managed with over-the-counter medications and guidance from the pharmacy, making a formal diagnosis unnecessary as long as the treatment remains effective. Severe symptoms, indoor manifestations, winter occurrences or complications may necessitate consulting a doctor for a formal diagnosis. Allergy tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, can identify the root cause of the allergy and facilitate the development of a management plan.
Hay fever is more prevalent in individuals with eczema and other skin conditions, those with asthma, those with a family history of hay fever and those exposed to tobacco smoke during their youth.
Treatments
Treatment for hay fever varies based on the type and severity of symptoms. For mild to moderate hay fever symptoms, over-the-counter hay fever tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays can often effectively manage symptoms. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives may consider prescription hay fever treatments.
Tablets (Antihistamines): Hay fever symptoms result from histamine release triggered by allergens like grass and tree pollen. Hay fever tablets, containing antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine, work by blocking histamine release. Consistently taking antihistamines can prevent and alleviate hay fever symptoms.
Gilbride Pharmacy offers free prescription hay fever tablets like fexofenadine as well as over-the-counter options like cetirizine, loratadine and chlorphenamine. Well-known over-the-counter brands include Benadryl, Clarityn, Piriton and Zirtek are available to purchase.
Nasal Sprays (Corticosteroids & Antihistamines): For nasal symptoms like sneezing and a congested or runny nose, hay fever tablets may suffice for some individuals. However, more severe symptoms may require the use of a hay fever nasal spray. These sprays typically contain corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, providing relief without causing significant side effects.
Gilbride Pharmacy offers prescription steroid hay fever nasal sprays like Dymista and Mometasone, as well as over-the-counter options like beclometasone and fluticasone. Antihistamine hay fever nasal sprays, such as Rhinolast, contain azelastine, providing targeted relief.
Eye Drops (Antihistamines): For individuals primarily experiencing eye symptoms like itching and watering, hay fever eye drops can be an effective treatment. These drops, including Opticrom, Optilast and Rapitil, prevent histamine release in response to allergens, offering both relief and prevention.
These eye drops feature drugs like sodium cromoglicate (Opticrom), azelastine (Optilast) and nedocromil sodium (Rapitil). They can be used up to four times daily in each eye, either alone or in conjunction with hay fever tablets and nasal sprays.
Prevention
Preventing hay fever involves:
- Identifying the allergen, often seasonal pollen or mould spores.
- Reducing exposure to the allergen by staying indoors during high pollen counts and avoiding specific triggers.
- Changing and showering upon returning home to remove allergens from clothing and hair.
- Frequently changing bed covers and using hypoallergenic barriers.
- Avoiding irritants like dust and tobacco smoke.
- Installing HEPA filters in air purifiers.
- Delegating cleaning tasks to others.
- Drying clothes indoors with windows closed.
- Carrying allergy medication, such as antihistamines, at all times.
- Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from pollen.
Additionally, alternative measures like wearing wrap-around sunglasses and using non-medicinal products like Prevalin Nasal Spray can complement traditional hay fever treatments.
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