Do you suspect that you are suffering from and need help to manage seasonal allergies? Do you feel that you need help with your hayfever? You are not alone!
The pollen season is getting worse year on year and there’s little to think the future will be any different. With climate change, different temperatures, and lower lying pollen; pollen counts have exploded and as a result, up to 25% of adults and 10-15% of children are suffering, with often very little understanding from those that don’t have the illness.
If you present with symptoms such as sneeze and cough during certain times of the year, you may have seasonal allergies. However, occasional allergies aren’t something you just have to live with. Particularly considering the fact that more than two-thirds of spring allergy sufferers actually have year-round symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies, often referred to as hay fever, include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and an itchy throat or roof of the mouth.
Other possible symptoms include fatigue, a cough, and in some cases, swollen eyes or skin under the eyes. These symptoms have an enormous impact on an individual’s quality of life and can cause serious disruption to day to day activities. As such, it is so important that you do seek specialist advice and treatment to manage your symptoms – it is not a condition which you have to just endure!
No one should have to suffer with the severe symptoms of hayfever and seasonal allergies. Even mild symptoms are troublesome but for those that have constant, severe symptoms it will affect your sleep, your concentration, your mood, your life.
Did you know that it has been shown that children don’t achieve their full potential at school in exams because of these allergies? Did you know that adults are less productive and miss more days of work? How critical is help for hayfever knowing this? Hayfever is no laughing matter and it is most certainly not a trivial illness.
Not All Medications Work to Manage Seasonal Allergies
However, these days GPs are being encouraged to send patients to the pharmacy to buy over the counter medications and this means that when they don’t work, you’re left thinking there are no options open to you, which is not the case. Many people are then turning to an annual steroid injection out of sheer desperation. This is a cheap drug; no longer available on the NHS because of the serious risks it brings. Despite being promoted by influencers on social media, this injection brings about many serious long-term consequences.
These include diabetes, cataracts, osteoporosis and serious infections. Due to these risks the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology do not recommend it in the slightest for the treatment of aeroallergens (allergies brought about by things in the environment).
The good news is that with the right approach, you can significantly reduce your symptoms.
Based on professional guidance, here are my top recommendations for managing hay fever both safely and effectively:
1. Minimise Your Exposure to Pollen
Avoiding pollen as much as possible is the first step in controlling your symptoms. Try the following:
- Keep windows and doors shut, especially during high pollen times (typically early morning and evening).
- Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors to remove any pollen clinging to your body or hair.
- Change your pillowcase daily – pollen can accumulate there and affect your sleep.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses when outside to help protect your eyes from airborne pollen.
2. Choose the Right Antihistamines
For relief from sneezing and itching, opt for long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine. These are effective, well-tolerated options for daily use.
Try to avoid older antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (Piriton). Although commonly available, these are generally less effective and can cause drowsiness, which may interfere with your daily activities.
3. Add a Nasal Spray to Tackle Congestion and Eye Symptoms
Introducing a nasal steroid spray into your routine can make a significant difference, especially if you experience nasal congestion or watery, itchy eyes.
- Fluticasone (licensed from age 4) and mometasone (licensed from age 3) are both safe for long-term use.
- These sprays don’t offer instant relief – they typically take a few weeks to reach their full effect, so consistency is key.
- Proper technique is crucial: avoid sniffing too hard after spraying, as this causes the medication to be swallowed rather than absorbed in the nasal lining, rendering it ineffective.
4. For Ages 12 and Over: Consider Dymista Control
If you’re aged 12 or over and still struggling despite using antihistamines and nasal sprays, Dymista Control is now available to buy over the counter. This combines a nasal steroid with an antihistamine in one spray — offering a powerful and convenient option for persistent symptoms.
5. Don’t Overlook Eye Drops
If your eyes are especially affected, antihistamine eye drops can help. Like nasal sprays, they may take a few weeks to work effectively — and some people may notice a temporary stinging sensation when first using them. This usually settles down with regular use, so try not to give up too soon.
6. When to Seek Specialist Help
If you’ve tried all of the above and your symptoms are still not well controlled, it may be time to consider a referral to a specialist. You could be a candidate for immunotherapy — the only treatment currently available that can actually modify your allergic response over time.
To learn more about immunotherapy and whether it’s right for you, read our dedicated page here.
Don’t Suffer With Hayfever
Come and see me at Dr Helen Allergy. Contact us now to arrange either a virtual or face-to-face consultation. I can help anyone, anywhere in the UK.