Hay Fever Taking Over Your Life? You’re Not Alone
Is hay fever taking over your life? Do you suspect you’re suffering from seasonal allergies or feel you need help managing ongoing symptoms?
You are not alone. The pollen season is getting worse year on year and there is little reason to believe this trend will reverse. Climate change, warmer temperatures and longer pollen seasons have led to significantly increased pollen counts. As a result, up to 25% of adults and 10-15% of children are now affected by hay fever, often with very little understanding from those who do not experience it.
At Dr Helen Allergy & Dr Helen Medical in Ringwood we regularly see how disruptive hay fever and seasonal allergies can be for both adults and children. Many teenagers are affected during exam times and, left untreated, this can have a negative effect on their results.
Do You Have Seasonal Allergies?
If you experience sneezing or coughing at certain times of the year, you may have seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever). However, this is not something you simply have to live with.
In fact, research shows that more than two-thirds of people with spring allergies experience symptoms all year round.
Common Hay Fever Symptoms
The most common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or roof of the mouth
Other symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Swelling around the eyes or under the eyes
These symptoms can have a major impact on quality of life, disrupting sleep, concentration, work, school performance and overall wellbeing. Hay fever is not a trivial condition, and it should not be ignored.
The Impact of Hay Fever on Daily Life
Even mild hay fever symptoms can be troublesome. For those with persistent or severe symptoms the impact can be profound.
- Children may not reach their full potential at school, particularly during exam periods
- Adults may experience reduced productivity and increased time off work
- Ongoing symptoms can affect sleep, mood and mental wellbeing
Hay fever is no laughing matter and effective treatment is essential.
Why Over-the-Counter Treatments Aren’t Always Enough
Many GP practices are now encouraged to direct patients towards pharmacy treatments. While this can be helpful for mild symptoms, it can leave people feeling there are no further options when these medications don’t work, which is simply not true.
Out of desperation some people turn to annual steroid injections often promoted on social media. These injections are no longer available on the NHS due to serious safety concerns.
Risks of Steroid Injections
Potential long-term risks include:
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Osteoporosis
- Increased risk of serious infections
Because of these risks the British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology does not recommend steroid injections for the treatment of environmental (aeroallergen) allergies.
Safe and Effective Ways to Manage Hay Fever
With the right approach hay fever symptoms can be significantly reduced. Based on professional guidance, here are our top recommendations.
- Minimise Your Exposure to Pollen
Reducing pollen exposure is the first step in managing symptoms.
Practical tips include:
- Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen times (early morning and evening)
- Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors
- Change pillowcases daily during pollen season
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Choose the Right Antihistamines
For sneezing and itching, long-acting non-drowsy antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine are effective and well tolerated for daily use. Older antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine (Piriton), are generally less effective and may cause drowsiness, affecting concentration and daily activities.
- Use a Nasal Spray for Congestion and Eye Symptoms
Steroid nasal sprays are one of the most effective treatments for hay fever.
- Fluticasone (licensed from age 4)
- Mometasone (licensed from age 3)
These sprays are safe for long-term use but require regular consistent use and may take several weeks to reach full effect.
Top tip: correct technique matters – gently blow your nose first, then shake the bottle and tilt your head slightly forward (not back). Insert the nozzle just inside the nostril and aim it slightly outwards, away from the nasal septum (the middle cartilage), as this reduces irritation and nosebleeds. Use the “diagonal” approach – for example, your right hand to spray into your left nostril – which naturally angles the spray towards the outer wall of the nose where it is best absorbed. Press the pump while breathing in gently through your nose, but avoid sniffing hard afterwards, as this can cause the medication to run down the throat and be swallowed rather than staying in contact with the nasal lining where it works best. Repeat on the other side if advised and wipe the nozzle after use. It just takes a bit of practice and then you’ll be a pro!
- Dymista Control (Ages 12 and Over)
For those aged 12 and over, whose symptoms remain poorly controlled, Dymista Control is now available over the counter. It combines a steroid and antihistamine in one nasal spray making it a convenient option for persistent symptoms.
- Don’t Ignore Eye Symptoms
If itchy or watery eyes are a major issue, antihistamine eye drops can help. These may cause mild stinging initially and can take a few weeks to work effectively – persistence is important.
- When to Seek Specialist Help
If symptoms remain uncontrolled despite appropriate treatment, specialist input may be required. You may be suitable for immunotherapy – the only treatment that can modify the allergic response, rather than simply treating symptoms.
To learn more visit:
https://drhelenallergy.co.uk/immunotherapy-dr-helen-allergy/
At Dr Helen Medical & Allergy in Ringwood our team is here to help you take control of your hay fever safely and effectively.
Hay Fever FAQs
- What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to airborne pollen from trees, grasses or weeds.
- When is pollen season in the UK?
Tree pollen peaks in spring grass pollen in late spring and summer and weed pollen into early autumn.
- Can hay fever last all year?
Yes. Many people with seasonal allergies experience symptoms year-round, particularly if they are sensitive to multiple allergens.
- Are steroid injections safe for hay fever?
No. Steroid injections are not recommended due to the risk of serious long-term side effects.
- What is the most effective hay fever treatment?
A combination of allergen avoidance, antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays is usually most effective.
- How long do nasal sprays take to work?
Steroid nasal sprays can take 2-3 weeks of consistent use to reach full effectiveness.
- Can children use hay fever nasal sprays?
Yes. Certain sprays such as fluticasone and mometasone are licensed for use in children.
- What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy gradually retrains the immune system to tolerate allergens and can provide long-term symptom relief.
- When should I see a specialist for hay fever?
If symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, or significantly affect daily life, specialist assessment is advised.
- Can hay fever affect sleep and concentration?
Yes. Poor sleep fatigue and reduced concentration are common in people with uncontrolled hay fever.
Call us on 01202 022956 to discuss your treatment options.