Hayfever – easing the sneeze

Looking forward to summer? 1 in 5 people might not be due to the prospect of hayfever. This allergy to pollen can cause sufferers misery, but a bit of forward planning can help you to prevent or manage the symptoms better.

What pollens and when?

If you’re allergic to grass pollen, then May to July will probably be your worst period. Those bothered by tree pollens suffer mainly March to May. If weeds are the culprit, bad luck - you may be affected throughout spring and summer.

Symptoms

Hayfever affects membranes – mainly the sensitive lining of the nose, throat or eyelids and it can also cause inflammation of the sinuses. Commonly, people get an itchy, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery and sore eyes and throat irritation. Less commonly, you may get headaches, pain over your sinuses or a flare-up in asthma symptoms causing wheeze or shortness of breath.

Treatments

Most treatments for hayfever are now available directly from your chemist without a prescriptionand are all very safe. These include:

  • Steroid or sodium cromoglycate nose sprays – Top tip: try starting them a few weeks before your symptoms usually start and continue spray use regularly to be effective. Remember, they take a few days to ‘kick in’.
  • Eye drops for hayfever – must also be used regularly
  • Antihistamine tablets – some but not all can cause drowsiness: ask your chemist or GP

If you have severe hayfever symptoms, you may need to use these in combination. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you are usually advised to try and avoid antihistamines by mouth. Try a steroid nasal spray first and speak to the chemist or GP if your symptoms are no better.

And if I don’t want to use medicines?

When the pollen counts are high, don’t forget these few simple measures which might help:

  • Wrap-around sunglasses can help keep the pollen out of your eyes
  • When driving, shut the car windows. Think about getting a car pollen filter.
  • Use simple Vaseline or HayMax nasal balm at the entrance to your nostrils before going out to reduce pollen getting up your nose, which can also help control eye symptoms. Both are available from the chemist or supermarket.
  • Salt water (saline) nasal washouts on a daily basis – speak to the chemist
  • Don’t forget to change clothes, and to shower or wash your hair when you come inside – especially before putting your head down on the pillow for the night!

Dr Jane Savory, Jedburgh Medical Practice

(with acknowledgement to the work of and Dr Sarah Jarvis)