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Spring is in the air and so are allergens! If you find yourself sneezing more than usual, battling itchy eyes, or feeling like you have a never ending cold, you’re in the right place! In this blog you’ll find symptoms, causes and treatments for hayfever.
First things first, what is hayfever? Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen that causes sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. It affects 1 in 4 of the population.
Hayfever can affect anyone, but it's most common in children and young adults. If allergies run in your family, you're more likely to develop it. People with other allergies or asthma are also at higher risk. It can strike at any age, depending on your environment and exposure to allergens. It’s important to be aware of your symptoms and triggers, as they can vary from person to person.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hayfever can vary, but the most common ones include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or ears
- Coughing
- Fatigue
Symptoms tend to worsen from late March to September- this is when pollen count is at its highest. It can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold which tends to go after 2 weeks.
Triggers
Pollen: The primary trigger is pollen, a fine powder released by plants during their reproductive cycle.
Tree Pollen: Tree pollen is typically released in the spring.
Grass Pollen: Grass pollen is most common in late spring and early summer.
Weed Pollen: Weed pollen is prevalent in late summer and early autumn.
Other Allergens: While pollen is the most common cause, other allergens can also trigger hay fever, including dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.
How to treat hayfever
There is currently no cure for hayfever, however there are a range of steps you can take to treat hayfever at home.
- Apply petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) around your nostrils to help trap pollen and prevent it from entering.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses, a face mask, or a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes and nose from pollen.
- After being outdoors, shower and change into fresh clothes to remove any pollen you may have collected.
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to limit pollen exposure indoors.
- Clean regularly by vacuuming and using a damp cloth to dust, which helps remove pollen particles.
- If possible, use a pollen filter in your car’s air vents and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner for better pollen control.
In order to further protect yourself from hayfever try to avoid these:
- Cutting or walking on grass
- Drying clothes outside
- Keeping fresh flowers in your home
- Letting pets inside your home
FAQ
How long does hay fever last? It can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to months depending on your sensitivity to the pollen.
What makes hay fever worse? The increase of pollen production combined with the warmer weather.
What is the best medicine for hay fever? Antihistamines are generally the most affective.
Speak to a pharmacist
If you need further assistance, speak to a pharmacist! We can offer advice and suggest the best treatment for symptoms. These include:
- Antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays
- Steroid nasal sprays
Find your local pharmacy here.
Keep in check with the pollen forecast from the Met Office here.
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From helping you deal with hayfever, to offering expert advice and delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.