- Hay fever causes agony; treatments include ocular drops, tablets
- Antihistamines like fexofenadine alleviate symptoms, now available over-the-counter
- Preventive measures include HEPA filters, closed windows, clean clothes
Hay fever will cause ‘absolute agony’ for an estimated 10 million Britons during the spring and summer of this year.
Triticum spherical pollen, watery eyes, and an itchy pharynx are the typical allergens responsible for inducing these symptoms, which manifest at various periods throughout the year.
Others are ‘unfortunate enough’ to be allergic to tree, grass and vegetation pollen, according to Well Pharmacy’s deputy superintendent pharmacist, George Sandhu.
It is anticipated that the prevalent condition will be exacerbated by earlier-onset warm temperatures, which will result in an earlier emission of pollen and other allergenic substances into the atmosphere. Typically, pollen levels peak between March and September.
The NHS reports that symptoms of hay fever prompted over 122,000 clinical visits to general practitioners in 2023.
How can symptoms of hay fever be alleviated?
Hay fever is treatable through the use of ocular drops, nasal sprays, or tablets.
Professionals recommend combining tablets with eye and nasal treatments for total alleviation.
“Hay fever symptoms cause absolute misery for millions of people, but the good news is that there are numerous ways to lessen their impact on your life,” says Mr Sandhu.
Experts frequently consider antihistamines, which are allergy medications, to be the most widely used treatment for hay fever.
Superintendent chemist at Pharmica Carolina Goncalves states, “Fexofenadine can be used to treat nasal discharge, sneezing, watery and pruritic eyes and a sore throat or nose.”
It functions as a non-drowsy antihistamine by inhibiting histamine, the bodily neurotransmitter responsible for inducing allergic reactions.
Additional antihistamines that possess a comparable effect are loratadine and cetirizine.
Mr. Sandhu further states, “Allergy products that contain fexofenadine hydrochloride have been available over-the-counter since the previous year.”
In the past, these medications were exclusively accessible through a physician’s prescription.
The benefits are non-drowsy and manifest within an hour and continue for twenty-four hours.
Another treatment option that can be utilised to mitigate symptoms such as runny sinuses and sneezing is nasal sprays.
Ms. Goncalves states, “Corticosteroid nasal sprays can aid in clearing the nasal passages and reducing nasal inflammation, thereby preventing sneezing and a runny nose.”
Saline nasal sprays may be an alternative to corticosteroids for the treatment of stuffy sinuses. By increasing the moisture level in the nasal cavity, they assist in thinning the mucus and facilitate its expulsion.
Ms. Goncalves suggests that eye drops containing sodium cromoglicate be contemplated as a viable therapeutic option. This component is recognised for its ability to inhibit the release of histamine and other allergens by mast cells in the conjunctiva.
Additionally, immunotherapy is regarded as a viable treatment option for hay fever. The process entails discerning the precise pollen from a tree, grass, or weed that induces the allergic response, and subsequently administering escalating quantities of the allergen into the organism progressively throughout an extended duration.
By facilitating the development of immunity to the allergen, this process may effectively mitigate or eradicate the symptoms associated with hay fever.
According to Max Weisberg, an authority on airborne allergens, referral by a general practitioner is typically required for NHS treatment of hay fever, provided that all alternative remedies have failed and the reaction persists as severe as possible.
What are the most effective preventive measures for hay fever?
HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are highly recommended by experts due to their ability to significantly diminish the concentration of allergens and pollen in indoor air.
According to Ms. Goncalves, these filters possess the ability to ensnare minuscule particles, such as pollen grains, thereby impeding their circulation and sedimentation in the domestic setting.
HEPA filters can eliminate 99.9 per cent of aerosolized respiratory particles ranging in size from 300 nanometers to 100 micrometres. This encompasses pollen, with a maximum size of 200 micrometres.
In comparison, the width of a human hair ranges between 80,000 and 100,000 nanometers. One thousand times smaller than a micrometre is a nanometer.
Ms Goncalves further states, “By integrating HEPA filters into air purification systems and hoover cleaners, these allergens can be effectively extracted from indoor air, providing hay fever sufferers with relief.”
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During pollen season, it is advised to maintain closed windows and doors to prevent pollen from entering the residence, thereby reducing exposure and symptoms.
Experts recommend taking regular showers and changing into clean clothes when spending time outdoors, as pollen granules can adhere to hair, clothing, and skin during periods of high pollen activity.
This action aids in the elimination of any accumulated pollen particles, thereby preventing their transfer to interior environments, where they might exacerbate allergen exposure.
A barrier can be created around the nostrils by applying a small quantity of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to prevent pollen from entering through the nasal passages.
Using this technique, pollen exposure and ensuing allergic reactions can be reduced.
