🌼 Hay Fever Season is Here – Start Treatment Now! 🌼
Spring has officially sprung — and so has hay fever season. If you or your child suffer from sneezing, itchy eyes, or a runny nose every year, now’s the time to get ahead of your symptoms before they take hold.
According to NHS and NICE guidance, starting treatment before pollen counts rise can make a real difference. Preventing inflammation early means fewer flare-ups later (NICE, 2023; NHS, 2024). Think of it like sunscreen — it’s more effective when applied before you’re in the sun!
🌿 What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is a common allergic reaction to pollen. It can affect sleep, concentration, and enjoyment of daily life. Children especially can struggle at school when symptoms go unmanaged.
Treatment Options – What’s Best?
We often get asked: should I use tablets, sprays, or drops? Here’s a quick guide:
Tablets or liquids (antihistamines): Great for general symptoms like sneezing and itching. Non-drowsy options are available and safe for most children over age 6 — some are suitable from age 2 (check the label or ask your pharmacist).
Nasal sprays: Steroid sprays like beclometasone or mometasone help reduce inflammation and work well for congestion and sneezing. Use daily during the season for best results — and start now!
Eye drops: These target itchy, watery eyes directly. Sodium cromoglicate drops are a go-to and can be used in children (age-dependent).
Starting one or more treatments early gives your body time to build up protection, making symptoms easier to manage.
🩺 When to See a GP
Most hay fever symptoms can be managed without a GP appointment. In general practice, we only tend to see patients when symptoms are very severe or when over-the-counter (OTC) medications have been used correctly but haven’t worked. If that’s the case, a GP may consider prescription options or explore other causes of persistent symptoms.
🌼 Top Tips to Reduce Symptoms:
- Check the daily pollen forecast (on the NHS website or Met Office).
- Keep windows closed, especially in the morning and evening when pollen is highest.
- Change clothes and wash hands/face after being outside.
- Consider wraparound sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes.
💡 Did You Know?
The charity Allergy UK offers helpful tips and downloadable resources for families managing hay fever: www.allergyuk.org
Let’s make this hay fever season a breeze, not a sneeze!
If you’re unsure which treatment is best for your child, speak to your local pharmacist.