As we move into the warmer summer months many of us will be looking forward to the long evenings, hot weather and enjoying having time off. The summer months can however be a time of misery for those people who suffer from hay fever so I want to look at how you can avoid hay fever and what treatments are available, should you be affected by it.
WHAT CAUSES HAY FEVER?
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen and people suffer most from this from May to July when pollen counts are at their highest. Some people may suffer from hay fever symptoms at other times of the year but this is quite rare and is termed perennial allergic rhinitis. Perennial allergic rhinitis is most commonly caused by house-dust or animal dander and sufferers should do what they can to minimize exposure to these allergens. Hay fever is more common in those people who have a family history of asthma, eczema or hayfever.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF HAY FEVER?
The symptoms of hay fever are due to the body's immune response to an allergen e.g. pollen. The body releases chemicals, termed histamine that induces the allergic reaction. The main symptoms of hay fever include:
Sneezing
Nasal itch
Runny or blocked nose
Watery eyes
These symptoms can be worse at different times of the day when pollen counts are higher. Pollen levels peak in the morning and evening and when the weather is hot and humid so you should avoid going outside at these times.
What are the main over-the-counter treatments for hay fever?
For the treatment of hay fever there are a number of treatment options available. These include tablets for the treatment of general symptoms and nasal sprays and eye drops for more localised treatment.
Antihistamines are available in sedating and non-sedating tablets and nasal sprays. They act by limiting the release of the chemical histamine and therefore reduce the symptoms associated with hay fever. The tablets act systemically treating all the symptoms of hay fever while the nasal sprays are effective for treating nasal congestion and ocular symptoms.
Corticosteroids are available in nasal sprays and are very effective at treating nasal congestion. If you know you will suffer from hay fever you should start using corticosteroids around 2 weeks before your symptoms normally begin to ensure symptom control.
Sodium cromoglicate is available in a nasal spray and also in eye drops. Like corticosteroids it should be used before your symptoms develop but is not as effective as the steroid nasal sprays.
Decongestants are effective for the treatment of nasal congestion but should only be used for one week to avoid rebound congestion.
Under the pharmacy minor ailments scheme you are eligible for free medication for hay fever if you don't pay for your prescriptions, so ask your pharmacist about this service.
TOP TIPS ON AVOIDING HAY FEVER
Reduce your exposure to pollen by staying indoors at times of high pollen count i.e. morning and evening
Keep windows shut in your house and when driving.
Wear wrap-around sunglasses
Avoid areas where the pollen count is likely to be high e.g. grassy areas, gardens.
You may also want to change your clothes after you have been outside to remove any pollen.
When buying over-the-counter medicine it is important that you make your pharmacist aware if you have any underlying medical conditions, if you are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if your symptoms persist. Let your pharmacist know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and always read the product information before taking the medication. It is also important to keep all medicines out of sight and out of reach of children.
I'm keen to hear from YOU! If you have any comments or queries about this week's topic or if you would like to suggest a future health issue to be covered please email me at philipcrilly@yahoo.co.uk
