Hay fever is a common allergy in the UK, with 25% of adults suffering from hay fever at one point in their lives. While there is no treatment for hay fever, there are multiple options to help you better manage your symptoms. Fill out the health questionnaires below and one of our prescribers will make sure that you receive the most suitable treatment for your condition.
Hay fever is an allergy to pollen. There are 3 types of pollen that are active at different times of the year: tree pollen (from late March to mid May), grass pollen (from mid May to July) and weed pollen (from June to September). Most people react to grass pollen, but many may be allergic to more than one type of pollen.
Causes
Hay fever is caused by the body's over sensitivity to pollen. Pollen triggers the release of histamine in the body, which causes hay fever symptoms. It is not clear as to why people are allergic to pollen, however some factors make you more likely to be allergic such as parents suffering from hay fever, having other allergies, suffering from asthma or eczema and being exposed to tobacco at an early age.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Frequent sneezing
Itchy or red eyes
Scratchy or itchy throat or mouth
Runny nose
FAQ
How can I manage my hay fever symptoms?
Other than medical treatment, you may want to try reducing contact with pollen as much as possible. This can be done by wearing sunglasses, closing the windows, avoiding indoor plants and avoiding cutting grass.
How can I get rid of hay fever?
Unfortunately, there is no cure to hay fever. However, there are medical products you can buy to reduce the symptoms of hay fever. Antihistamines and corticosteroid bases medications are effective in alleviating symptoms. The medication comes in tablet form, as a nasal spray or as eye drops.
When is hay fever season?
In the UK, hay fever season lasts from late March to September.