Pharmacist shares two-week rule for hay fever sufferers

Hay fever is an escalating concern in the UK, with the number of people affected by the condition tripling over the past 20 years. Whilst it typically begins in childhood, it can develop at any age, with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures showing 10-15% of children have it, rising to one in four – 26% – of adults.

The UKHSA states: « Although it is sometimes regarded as a small problem, hay fever causes disruption to sleep, which impacts daytime concentration, and causes people to miss days of work or school. People who have hay fever are also at an increased risk of developing asthma, highlighting the importance of treating this condition.

« For people who are allergic to pollen, it’s also worth knowing that certain things can worsen the effects of pollen, such as alcohol. Pollen levels can also be higher after rainfall if it is followed by dry weather. »

According to the Met Office, hay fever season generally begins in late March and continues through until September. It starts with tree pollen, which is normally from late March to mid-May, followed by grass pollen, from mid-May until July, then weed pollen covers the end of June to September.

However, fresh data suggests this appears to be occurring earlier than many anticipated this year, with sufferers in the UK potentially facing a particularly difficult spring. Statistics from online pharmacy Chemist4U reveal sales of hay fever treatments are already up 89% compared to this time last year, with pharmacists cautioning that milder winters are causing pollen levels and symptoms to emerge sooner, reports the Mirror.

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U, stated there were measures people could take to help address any symptoms as well as steps to prevent the problems in the first place. And he issued a two-week warning to people to help get them prepared for the rise in pollen.

He stated: « With milder winters becoming more regular, we’re seeing pollen season start earlier each year, and as a result, hay fever is now impacting as many as one in two people in the UK. Hay fever sufferers shouldn’t wait until symptoms appear before starting treatment.

« We anticipate symptoms to significantly start to rise again from the first week of March, when tree pollen levels typically start to increase. One of the biggest challenges we see is people using the wrong treatment for their symptoms.

« Antihistamine tablets such as cetirizine or loratadine work well for sneezing, itching, and a runny nose, but they’re often less effective for nasal congestion. A blocked nose is caused by inflammation, so a steroid nasal spray is usually the most effective option, particularly for early-season tree pollen.

« Eye symptoms are also commonly under-treated. During grass pollen season later in spring and summer, itchy or watery eyes can become a major issue, and antihistamine eye drops can be a simple but effective addition to daily tablets. For more severe or persistent symptoms, stronger non-drowsy antihistamines like fexofenadine may be needed.

« Starting the right combination of treatments early, ideally before pollen levels peak, gives your immune system the best chance to stay calm. Taking a preventative approach now can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and help people stay in control throughout the hay fever season, rather than playing catch-up with symptoms that have already taken hold. »

Jason also offers his leading recommendations for hay fever prevention:

• Start medication early: Begin taking antihistamines or using steroid nasal sprays one to two weeks before symptoms usually appear
• Be consistent: Preventative treatments are most effective when taken daily, not just when symptoms flare up
• Know your trigger: Tree pollen is usually the first to cause problems in March, followed by grass pollen later in spring and summer, then weed pollen towards the end of summer
• Reduce exposure: Pollen has a tendency to cling to everything, so after being outside, make sure to shower and wash your hair, avoid sitting on sofas or beds with clothes worn outside, and avoid drying clothes in your garden
• Wear sunglasses outside: Wearing wraparound sunglasses can help protect your eyes from any airborne pollen, which will help reduce itching and redness
• Avoid rolling your windows down when driving: When it gets hot, try and avoid rolling car windows down as this lets in any airborne pollen. Instead, utilise your car’s air conditioning.
• Clean your living space regularly: Make sure to vacuum carpets and any soft furnishings frequently with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to prevent pollen circulating in the air
• Manage indoor air quality: Avoid air-drying your hair in any bedrooms and consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, particularly in bedrooms
• Don’t ignore mild symptoms: Early signs such as occasional sneezing or itchy eyes can indicate rising pollen. This is the best time to ensure your treatment is in place, rather than waiting for symptoms to get worse
• Get advice early: If over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked well in the past, speaking to a pharmacist early can help identify stronger or more suitable options

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings