Itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing … oh no, it’s Hay Fever season again!!! 
Fear not, this article will help you prepare.
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergy to pollen. The pollen season separates into three main sections:
- Tree pollen – late March to mid-May.
- Grass pollen – mid-May to July.
- Weed pollen – end of June to September
To get the latest pollen forecast, view the Met Office weather map which provides a UK forecast of the pollen count and provides any hay fever sufferers with an early warning.
Hay fever sufferers can benefit from a wide range of non-drowsy medication which can be prescribed by your GP, or alternatively purchased over the counter from your local pharmacy. Starting this medication two weeks before the season can prepare your body.
Your GP or hospital consultant can help you find the most appropriate treatment for you especially if you also have asthma and other allergies. Treatments include antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays, corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops, nasal decongestants, eye drops, immunotherapy, and alternative therapies.
Treatment for Severe Symptoms
Rarely, a short course of steroid tablets is prescribed for a week or so. For example, for students sitting examinations, A short course is usually safe. However, you should not take steroid tablets for long periods to treat hay fever, as serious side-effects may develop.
Dr Harsha Kariyawasam, Consultant Allergist at the Royal ENT Hospital says, “‘The most important step that an individual with allergic rhinitis should do is to have an accurate diagnosis. The exact allergen provoking symptoms should be identified. Where possible, allergen avoidance measures should be instigated. Treatment with medication, introduced in a step wise manner should also be undertaken. We are getting very good treating allergic rhinitis and there are several effective new treatments available. Allergy desenstisation by a trained allergist is possible and there are several exciting vaccines either in practice or in development. Everyone deserves to enjoy spring and summer!”.