Hayfever Relief

When to book hay fever relief

Speak to a pharmacist if pollen season brings on:

• Frequent sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Itching in the throat, mouth, nose and ears
• Coughing caused by postnasal drip
• Headaches and sinus pressure
• Tiredness from disrupted sleep
• Loss of smell, or earache and fullness in the ears

Come in sooner if symptoms are severe or not improving with standard treatments, they are affecting your sleep or daily activities, or you have asthma and your symptoms are getting worse. Hay fever can trigger wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath in people with asthma.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees or weeds affecting the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses. The UK season runs from late March to September: tree pollen peaks from late March to mid-May, grass pollen from mid-May to July, and weed pollen from late June to September. Knowing which pollen triggers you helps you start treatment at the right time.

Hay fever treatments

• Antihistamine tablets - non-drowsy options such as cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine relieve sneezing, itching and a runny nose. They work best taken regularly through the season, not only when symptoms flare
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays - fluticasone and beclometasone reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and are the most effective option for moderate to severe hay fever. Start a couple of weeks before symptoms usually begin
• Eye drops - antihistamine or anti-inflammatory drops for itchy, watery, red eyes
• Decongestant sprays - short-term relief for a blocked nose, but not for more than seven days, to avoid rebound congestion
• Nasal barrier balms - applied around the nostrils to trap pollen

For severe hay fever that does not respond, we can discuss prescription options or refer you to your GP for steroid tablets or immunotherapy.

Reducing your pollen exposure

• Check the daily pollen forecast and stay indoors when counts are high, especially early morning and late afternoon
• Keep windows and doors closed on high pollen days
• Wear wraparound sunglasses
• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors
• Avoid drying clothes outside at peak times
• Apply petroleum jelly or a barrier balm around the nostrils
• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
• Keep car windows closed and use recirculated air

Hay fever in children

Hay fever is very common in children and can affect concentration at school and sleep quality. Watch for frequent nose rubbing, known as the allergic salute, and dark circles under the eyes. Many treatments are suitable for children, with the right medicine and dose depending on age, and our pharmacists can advise.

Find hay fever relief near you

Walk in with no appointment for a full range of antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops, plus NHS-aligned advice for adults and children. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.