HAYFEVER ADVICE

It’s hayfever season again and pollen counts are starting to increase. This can cause many symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy, swollen or watery eyes, itchy throat or ears, coughing, fatigue and disrupted sleep.

Here are our top tips for managing hayfever this season.

AVOID THE TRIGGER

·        Avoid drying clothes outside and keep windows and doors closed, especially in the morning and evening when the pollen is highest

·        Wash the pollen off - Showering and changing clothes after being outdoors

·        Trap the pollen - Balm e.g. Vaseline applied around nostrils

·        Keep pollen out of eyes - Wearing wrap-around sunglasses when outdoors

MEDICATION

Most hayfever treatments are now available over the counter. You can often combine these e.g. an anti-histamine tablet with a steroid nasal spray. Speak to your pharmacist if you need advice.

·        Anti-histamines e.g. Piriton, Loratadine, Cetirizine, Fexofenadine.

·        Steroid nasal sprays e.g. Pirinase or Beconase

·        Eyedrops e.g. sodium cromoglicate (Opticrom)

Top tip: Only taking medications occasionally on the worst days is much less effective. Try to start using the anti-histamines and nasal sprays regularly two weeks before your symptoms usually begin.

What about Kenlog/hayfever injections?

These are no longer recommended due to the risk of serious complications such as bone breakdown in the hip.

Your local pharmacy can offer advice on hayfever as well as many other common ailments.