There’s no cure for hayfever and it can make the spring and summer seasons a misery for some sufferers, however there are simple steps you can take to alleviate the worst symptoms.
The internet is awash with tips, tricks and hacks to fix minor medical problems. But how much of it is accurate and can be trusted? In an age of misinformation and social media ‘experts’, it is always better to ask someone who is in the know about your health woes.
Each week, Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson will answer our readers’ questions on everything from insomnia and indigestion to trapped wind and toilet troubles. This week, Claire tackles pollen allergies…
Q: How do I know if I’ve got hayfever or a cold and how can I manage it?
Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder produced by certain plants. Symptoms typically occur when the pollen comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat.
Between March to September, if you suffer with symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, a scratchy throat or a runny nose, it may indicate that you are allergic to pollen. This is also known as hayfever and whilst there is no cure, there are many things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms.
Hayfever symptoms
Symptoms are not uniform across everyone, but can include sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, red or watery eyes. Although hayfever shares similar symptoms to a cold, it’s important to know the difference, so you can help relieve symptoms in the most effective way possible.
A cold typically lasts for one to two weeks, while hayfever can last for a number of weeks or even months depending on the pollen count and season. The higher the pollen count, the worse the symptoms are likely to be so it’s important you keep an eye on the Met Office website for daily updates.
If you are unsure as to whether you have hayfever symptoms or symptoms of a cold speak to your local pharmacist.
Hayfever prevalence
Typically, hayfever is seen to be heightened between the months of late March and September, particularly when it is warm, humid and windy as this is when the pollen count is at its highest. However, there are different types of pollen that can bring on hayfever. For example, tree pollen counts are highest between late March and mid-May, whilst grass and weed pollen counts are highest between mid-May and September.
Relieving symptoms
When outdoors exposure to pollen is what causes hayfever symptoms, so one of the best things to do to manage is to limit your exposure. For example, wraparound sunglasses can stop pollen getting into your eyes and provide additional protection. If you are experiencing dry, sore or watery eyes, allergy relief eye drops can be used to help.
When wanting to spend time outdoors it’s a good idea to get out around midday, which is typically when pollen counts are lowest making it the best time to go for a walk and get some fresh air. You should also try showering and changing your clothes when you’ve been outdoors to rinse away the pollen.
If you are exposed to pollen, antihistamines can be an effective form of allergy medication that can help to manage the effects.
When indoors, ensuring windows in your car and house are closed can help to minimise pollen exposure on days when the count is high. It could also be a good idea to dry your washing inside as grass pollen can easily get onto clothes while drying outside.
Dusting with a damp or microfiber cloth and vacuuming regularly can stop pollen from becoming airborne in your home. An air purifier is also a great way to clean the air.”
For more advice, your local pharmacist can offer advice on which products could be suitable for you – from antihistamine tablets to eye drops or nasal sprays. If over the counter remedies are not helping, speak to your GP.