Hay Fever

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne pollen. It commonly occurs between spring and autumn, when the pollen count is at its highest.

Pollen is a particle released by plants during the warmer months and can become airborne. Individuals with hay fever experience an immune system response to this harmless pollen as if it were an infection.

The immune system releases histamines, which are chemicals that aim to eliminate the perceived invasion. However, these histamines can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, making breathing difficult.

Different types of pollen, including tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen, can cause hay fever symptoms, and their presence varies throughout the year. For instance, grass pollen peaks between June and July. Fexofenadine effectively addresses allergic reactions caused by various types of pollen.

Different Pollen Types

Different types of pollen, including tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen, can cause hay fever symptoms, and their presence varies throughout the year. For instance, grass pollen peaks between June and July. Fexofenadine effectively addresses allergic reactions caused by these different types of pollens.

Primary treatments for hay fever

Fexofenadine works by blocking histamine, a chemical released by the immune system in response to pollen inhalation, thereby preventing the development of hay fever symptoms such as runny nose, itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. It starts working within an hour of consumption, allowing you to carry on with your daily activities while enjoying relief from hay fever symptoms.

There are various treatments available to alleviate hay fever symptoms:

1. Decongestants: Decongestant sprays and eye drops can provide relief from symptoms. Examples include Murine hayfever and Optrex hayfever.
2. Antihistamines: These tablets are effective in preventing the release of inflammatory chemicals in the nose. They offer longer-lasting relief but may cause drowsiness. Some examples are Fexofenadine, Allevia, and Piriton.
3. Corticosteroids: Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids are prescribed for severe hay fever symptoms or when other treatments are ineffective. When used regularly, corticosteroids provide long-lasting protection from hay fever symptoms. Examples include Beconase, Nasobec, and Dymista.

According to the NHS, corticosteroids are considered more effective for treating hay fever when compared to antihistamine tablets.

Contrary to its name, hay fever is not necessarily caused by hay, and fever is not a typical symptom.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

Symptoms of hay fever include:

• Runny or blocked nose
• Coughing
• Decreased sense of smell
• Earache
• Headache
• Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Pain around the temples and forehead
• Sneezing
• Fatigue

While the symptoms of hay fever can resemble those of a common cold, they persist for weeks or months and recur upon further exposure to pollen.

How can hay fever be prevented?

Prevention and management strategies for hay fever may not always be feasible, but can be helpful. Some recommendations include:

• Applying Vaseline under the nose or around the nostrils to trap pollen.
• Limiting time spent outdoors and keeping windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high.
• Checking the pollen count before going outside and taking appropriate precautions to minimise exposure.
• Wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect the eyes from pollen and a hat to prevent pollen from landing on the face.
• Taking a shower before bed helps wash out pollen accumulated in the hair.

For more information on preventing hay fever, you can refer to NHS Inform.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hay fever

Q: How is hay fever diagnosed?

Q: What are the treatment options for hay fever?

Q: Can lifestyle changes help manage hay fever symptoms?

Q: Are there any natural remedies for hay fever?

Q: Can hay fever be cured?

Additional resources

Five tips to beat hayfever

How long does hay fever last?

What's the difference between hay fever and a cold

Learn More About Piriteze

Learn More About Piriton Allergy Tablets

How long does fexofenadine take to work

What is the Difference Between Piriton and Piriteze

Authored By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 28/02/2019

Reviewed By

Dr Giuseppe Aragona

Doctor

This content has been checked for quality and accuracy by Dr. Giuseppe utilises his extensive experience in general practice to ensure the accuracy and safety of the website's content.

Reviewed on: 25/05/2023