Antihistamines treat hay fever by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it's under attack from an allergen. This stops the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Antihistamines are usually effective at treating itching, sneezing and watery eyes, but they may not help with clearing a blocked nose.
Different antihistamine tablets for hay fever include cetirizine, fexofenadine and loratadine. Azelastine is an effective antihistamine nasal spray and olopatadine is an antihistamine eye drop. Unlike older antihistamines, these newer types shouldn't cause drowsiness, although this can occasionally happen to some people. If you do become drowsy after using antihistamines, you should avoid driving or using heavy tools or machinery.
You should also contact your GP or pharmacist, as there may be an alternative antihistamine you can take. Corticosteroids steroids are used to treat hay fever because they have an anti-inflammatory effect.
When pollen triggers your allergic reaction, the inside of your nose becomes inflamed. Corticosteroids can reduce the inflammation and prevent the symptoms of hay fever. Corticosteroid nose drops containing betamethasone and fluticasone are more powerful than corticosteroid nose sprays and shouldn't be used for prolonged periods of more than 2 to 4 weeks. Corticosteroids are better than antihistamine tablets at preventing and relieving nasal symptoms, including sneezing and congestion.
They can also relieve itchy, watery eyes. They're most effective if you start using them a couple of weeks before your symptoms begin, and work best when used regularly.
It's important that you read the instructions that come with your medication, as applying the drops or the spray incorrectly can increase your risk of developing side effects, such as:. If you require rapid short-term relief from severe symptoms — for example, if you have an exam or driving test coming up — your GP may prescribe a course of corticosteroid tablets for 5 to 7 days. The use of corticosteroids for longer than 10 days isn't recommended, because the longer you take steroid tablets the more likely it is you'll begin to experience unpleasant side effects, such as:.
Hay fever can cause a blocked nose. A decongestant, in the form of a nasal spray, can relieve this. Decongestants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which opens your nasal passage and makes breathing easier. Your pharmacist can recommend a suitable nasal decongestant. Check the ingredients, as some decongestants also contain antihistamine.
If they do, they may relieve other symptoms as well. If not, the decongestant will only relieve your blocked nose. Nasal decongestants shouldn't be used for longer than 7 days.
They may cause dryness and irritation in your nasal passage, and can make the symptoms of congestion worse this is known as rebound congestion or rhinitis medicamentosa. Eye drops are available from your pharmacist to treat the hay fever symptoms that affect your eyes, such as redness, itchiness and watering allergic conjunctivitis. The drops contain antihistamine, such as azelastine and olopatadine, to reduce the inflammation in your eyes, which will relieve the symptoms. Eye drops containing the active ingredient sodium cromoglicate a mast cell stabiliser are the most widely used and have been shown to be extremely safe.
Check the patient information leaflet for the correct way to use them. Some may cause side effects, such as a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes. If you have persistent hay fever symptoms that aren't relieved by the above treatments, your GP may refer you for immunotherapy treatment. This involves gradually introducing you to small amounts of the allergen the substance you're allergic to , such as pollen, and monitoring your allergic reaction in a controlled environment.
Immunotherapy is only carried out in specialist medical centres, in case a serious allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis , occurs. Further doses of SLIT can safely be administered at home after an initial dose has been given under medical supervision.
To work in the first year, treatment should be started 3 months before the pollen season. As you get used to the allergen, the amount used will slowly be increased. You'll gradually start to build up immunity to the allergen, and your allergic reaction to it should get less severe. Immunotherapy can improve your tolerance of the allergen, which can improve your quality of life and have long-term results. However, if you don't see a significant improvement in your symptoms during the first year, then the treatment is unlikely to help and shouldn't be continued.
Hay fever can lead to complications such as sinusitis and middle ear infections otitis media. It can also have a significant impact on your daily activities. In one study, a third of adults with hay fever reported that their symptoms had a considerable negative impact on their work, home and social life.
Children's symptoms can disrupt their schooling and lead to delays in learning and development. Unfortunately, the peak of the grass pollen season coincides with the annual GCSE examinations.
In most cases, the negative impact can be reduced with treatment. You should also make extra efforts to limit exposure to pollen. Infection of the sinuses small, air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead is a complication of hay fever. This is called sinusitis and it can cause pain and tenderness in the face near the affected sinuses.
You may experience a throbbing pain that's worse when you move your head, and toothache or pain in your jaw when you eat. The swelling of the nasal passages that occurs in hay fever can prevent mucus from draining out of the sinuses. This can make them more vulnerable to infection. Sinusitis can usually be treated using over-the-counter painkillers. If your symptoms persist, antibiotics and corticosteroid tablets or sprays may be required. Read more about treating sinusitis.
Hay fever can lead to a middle ear infection if the Eustachian tube the thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose becomes blocked by a build-up of mucus. Middle ear infections are more common in children, because their Eustachian tube is smaller than an adult's and can become blocked more easily. Most middle ear infections will clear up within 72 hours without the need for treatment.
Further treatment is usually only necessary if ear infections keep on occurring. Read more about treating a middle ear infection. It's very difficult to completely avoid pollen. However, reducing your exposure to the substances that trigger your hay fever should ease your symptoms. Rubbing a small amount of Vaseline petroleum gel inside your lower nostrils can help to prevent pollen from entering your nasal passages.
If possible, stay indoors when the pollen count is high over The tips below may help to reduce your exposure to pollen. If you need to go outside or you're travelling, the tips below may help to reduce your exposure to pollen. Home Illnesses and conditions Immune system Hay fever. Hay fever See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About hay fever 2. Symptoms of hay fever 3. Causes of hay fever 4. Diagnosing hay fever 5. Treating hay fever 6. Complications of hay fever 7.
Preventing hay fever. About hay fever Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life. Symptoms of hay fever include: sneezing a runny nose itchy eyes You'll experience hay fever symptoms if you have an allergic reaction to pollen.
Pine is a coniferous tree growing up to 35m in height, with upward pointing branches and a narrow, tapering shape. The majority of species flower in spring and early summer in the UK, peaking around May. While the pollen count is high, the individual pollen grains are relatively large, which can reduce sensitisation. Grass pollen is one of the most common causes of allergic rhinitis hayfever , and may also cause contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals.
In the UK the grass pollen season runs from spring through to early autumn, with its peak in summer. Activities such as mowing and baling of hay may increase levels of pollen locally. Lime trees are a common ornamental tree in the UK, growing to as much as 30m tall. They may be found in parks and ornamental gardens or lining streets or avenues. Limes flower in summer, with peak pollination usually occurring in June.
Nettles are a well-known weed which are renowned for their painful sting. They can be found growing wild in wastelands, woodland, meadows and on railway embankments. Nettle pollen is not highly allergenic but may cause symptoms in sensitised individuals.
The peak season for nettle pollen in in June. Dock is mainly found in meadows and pasture land, as well as in some coastal areas. It is a small herb with reddish flowers which blossom as early as May or as late as September, depending on the prevailing conditions. In the UK, peak pollination is generally during June. Mugwort is a species of plant usually categorised as a weed, which can be found in wasteland, embankments and meadows.
It bears small yellow or red-brown flowers which blossom from early summer to early autumn. Mugwort pollen release peaks between July and August in the UK. Pollen allergy — peak seasons in the UK Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hayfever, is caused by exposure to grass pollen, tree pollen and other plant pollen which is released into the air.
Some strategies which may help include: Reviewing local weather reports including pollen counts and limiting time spent outside when the count is high.
Avoiding drying laundry outdoors, particularly clothes and bedding, when pollen counts are high. Keeping doors and windows closed during peak months for pollen exposure. Avoiding gardening, lawn mowing and other outdoor work during peak months for pollen exposure. The expected period of release and peak for the most commonly encountered UK pollen types is as follows: Alder pollen Alnus January to April, peaking in March Alder is a deciduous tree closely related to hazel, hornbeam, oak, and chestnut.
Hazel pollen Corylus January to April, peaking February to March Hazel is a deciduous tree native to woods and hedgerows, and particularly the slopes of hills. Yew pollen Taxus January to April, peaking in March Yew is a conifer growing to between 10 and 20 metres tall, and recognisable by its bright red berries. Elm pollen Ulmus February to April, peaking in March Elm is a tall deciduous tree growing to as much as 40m with a distinctive vase shaped crown. Complementary and alternative therapies for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
Pet dander. American Lung Association. Seidman MD, et al. Clinical practice guideline: Allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. Cockroach allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Allergy testing: Indications. Rochester, Minn. Allergy testing: Types. Allergy testing definition. Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. Nasal sprays. Accessed July 10, Leukotriene modifiers. Oral corticosteroids.
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