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Many of you who have been lifelong sufferers of hay fever won't need reminding of its detrimental effects on your body. Still, for those who are unfamiliar, hay fever is a form of allergic rhinitis that causes cold-like symptoms. Still, unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by contracting a virus; it is a seasonal condition that is usually more common between late March and September.What are the symptoms of hay fever?Symptoms can include:Persistent sneezing or coughingA runny or blocked, stuffy noseA sore, irritated throat, mouth, nose or earsSore, itchy, red and watery eyesA decrease in your sense of smellEaracheHeadacheFeeling tiredThose who suffer from asthma may also experience:A tight feeling in your chestShortness of breathWheezing and coughing"Hay fever will last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks." ~ NHS UKSo now we know what causes hay fever and its symptoms, how can you get rid of it?Well, here’s the bad news: you can’t completely rid yourself of hay fever once you have started to develop its symptoms. All you can do is try to ease and manage the condition and be aware of when the pollen count is high, so that you can be prepared to treat it.Antihistamines are usually a hay fever sufferer's best friend when symptoms strike. Although they’re not a complete cure, they do provide significant relief. Also, nasal sprays, such as Dymista, and eye drops are usually a good complement to regular antihistamine use.In severe cases (such as those of you who suffer from asthma), steroid tablets or injections can be used, but only for a short time.What else can you do to ease your symptoms?As well as medication, you can also take the following preventative measures to ease your symptoms, especially when the pollen count is particularly high.Put a small amount of Vaseline into your nostrils to trap pollenShower and change your clothes regularly (especially when you have been outside) to wash pollen offStay indoors as often as you canVacuum and dust your home environment on a regular basisKeep your windows and doors shut as much as possibleBuy a pollen filter for the air vent of your carGet a HEPA Filter for your vacuum cleanerAre there any hay fever myths that you should know about?Well, you may be surprised to know that there are several hay fever myths circulating, which may be exacerbating your symptoms rather than alleviating them.Always remember that if you plan to try something new to alleviate your symptoms, you should first conduct thorough research or, more importantly, consult your general practitioner.Here are three of the most common hay fever myths around:Honey can get rid of your hay fever:Although honey may be a great way to soothe your itchy throat caused by hay fever, there has been very little evidence to prove that it helps reduce symptoms in any significant way."A small study conducted in Finland found that regular honey made only a marginal difference, but that honey with added birch pollen did seem to help. The authors caution, however, that this was only a pilot study and shouldn't be taken as a recommendation." ~ BBC FutureIt’s only flowers that will cause your allergies:I’m sure a lot of you who suffer from hay fever will naturally associate your allergies with summertime’s colourful blooms, but this is wrongly assumed. The pollen that causes your symptoms is mostly an airborne type that emanates mainly from grass, trees (such as birch and oak), and weeds."Showy flowers usually have insect dispersed pollen, which is sticky and heavy and is carried between the flowers by insects, so it does not get carried in the air." ~ Dr EmbelinWith prolonged use, you will become immune to Antihistamines:As we've already established, antihistamines are one of the most popular and effective ways for most Hay fever sufferers to combat symptoms. However, because your symptoms can vary in intensity, this may lead you to believe that your antihistamines have stopped working for you, but this isn't true! You can use antihistamines for an extended period without their effectiveness decreasing. However, if antihistamines have never been particularly effective for you, then it may be time to consult your GP to discuss an alternative treatment.For itching and watery eyes caused by pollen, you can reach for hay fever eye drops.So in conclusion, you have seen that hay fever can cause you some quite significant and unpleasant symptoms, but although there is no complete cure (and there may be some false information hanging around about what helps you and what doesn't), there are in fact many various, preventative measures that you can take to improve your comfort and health when the pollen strikes! With a little help and forward-thinking action, it is possible to have a safe and happy summer!

Considered one of the most common allergies in the UK, hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, affects approximately 13 million people in the UK alone. Although relatively low-risk, hay fever can be considerably debilitating for sufferers and can significantly impact their quality of life, but how long does hay fever actually last?If you’re in the dark about the longevity of this common allergy, then today you should find everything you need to know about what to expect, how to tackle your symptoms and be prepared for summer.What is hay fever?Most of us will have heard of hay fever, but you may not know what it means or how it affects the body. In short, hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen or dust. When inhaled, they irritate the mucus membranes found in the eyes and nose, causing inflammation and leading to a range of symptoms.Typically, hay fever is at its worst between the months of May and September, as these tend to be the hottest months when the pollen count is at its highest.What are the symptoms of hay fever?The severity of your allergies will determine how much you suffer; however, the following are the most common signs of hay fever are:CongestionCoughingFatigueItchy and watery eyesRunny noseSinus pressureSore and swollen under-eyesCan hay fever be serious?Hay fever is not considered a serious allergy; however, in the most severe cases, it can lead to other health complications that may require further treatment. Some of these include:Worsening asthmaLack of sleep or insomniaSinusitisEar infectionsReduced quality of lifeWho can hay fever affect?Unfortunately, hay fever can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or health status.When does hay fever kick in?Although it is possible to suffer the signs and symptoms of hay fever all year-round, the chances are that you will find your allergies flare up most during the spring and summer months. This is because tree pollen, grass pollen, dust mites and pet dander are often at their highest during this time.How long does hay fever last?Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed timeframe for hay fever symptoms. How long your hay fever lasts really depends on a variety of factors, including your level of exposure to allergens, the type of weather at the time, whether you are actively treating your symptoms and the type of pollen you are allergic to.As a general guide, tree pollen lasts the longest. Tree pollen allergies can begin as early as February and last until June.Grass and weed pollen typically last for a shorter period and peak during the summer. Allergies to grass pollen start from May and last until June, while symptoms caused by weed pollen can occur from June to September.Typically, the severity of symptoms fluctuates from week to week or month to month, depending on pollen levels; however, in general, hay fever can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.It is also important to note that everyone is different. While some may suffer mild irritation, others can find hay fever to be incredibly debilitating and may find little relief from medications. In general, however, most people find that their hay fever symptoms ease up as they get older, with around 10-20% of sufferers reporting their symptoms completely disappear after several years.How can you reduce your hay fever symptoms?While there is no cure for hay fever, there are some things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms:Seek advice from your pharmacy or doctor. There is a range of over-the-counter antihistamines which can help, or your GP may prescribe medication in more severe cases or when other treatments haven't worked.Keep a close eye on the pollen count.Refrain from going outdoors during a high pollen count.Have a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to remove any pollen that has attached to you.Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors protects your eyes from exposure to pollen.Applying Vaseline (petroleum jelly) around the nasal passages can help trap pollen and prevent an excessively runny nose.Things to avoid during high pollen season:Cutting the grassWalks through fieldsFresh flowers indoorsDrying clothes outsideHaving a lot of contact with pets (typically, cats and dogs carry a lot of pollen in their fur when they have been outside)The bottom line on hay feverWhile incredibly irritating and inconvenient, hay fever usually won’t pose any major threat to your general health, but we understand it can certainly make life difficult during peak seasons.To help combat the unwelcome signs of hay fever, it is helpful to come prepared with an effective and fast-acting treatment, such as the Nasonex intranasal treatment spray or Neoclarityn tablets. These types of medicines can offer relief when you need it most and help clear the airways during those more challenging days.For itching and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) caused by hay fever, eye drops are available from pharmacies, such as Murine Hayfever Relief and Optrex Hayfever Relief. These eye drops can help reduce irritation, redness, and tearing, which are commonly associated with hay fever.

Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergy to pollen which usually occurs between Spring and Autumn (seasonal allergic rhinitis). However, it can also occur year-round (perennial allergic rhinitis). Approximately 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, but some people are also allergic to pollen from trees or weeds. It's a common misconception that hay fever is caused by pollen from flowers, which is denser and not carried by the wind.Hay fever occurs because the body's immune system sees particles of pollen as a harmful infection. In response, the body launches a chemical called histamine to fight the foreign body. This chemical is the agent which causes the common symptoms of hay fever, including:itchy eyes, nose, throat or skinrunny nosesneezingwatery eyesimpaired sense of smellAfter initial exposure, symptoms may progress to include:Stuffy noseSore throatCoughClogged earsFatigueHeadacheSinus problemsIndividuals with asthma may be more susceptible to the effects of hay fever and may need to increase their use of inhalers. This is because histamine can cause the smooth muscle surrounding the airways to constrict and tighten, thereby restricting a person's ability to breathe.Hay fever symptoms typically occur from early Spring through early Autumn. Different trees, weeds and grasses release pollen at slightly different times every year. The pollen count is usually the highest on warmer, drier days.While there is currently no cure for hay fever, several treatments are available to alleviate or prevent symptoms. Such treatments include nasal sprays, antihistamine tablets and, in more serious cases, immunotherapy, which involves regular injections administered by a healthcare professional. However, there are a number of simple things you can do to minimise your pollen exposure and prevent your symptoms from occurring.1. Stay indoors when the pollen count is highPollen count is an index which determines the amount of pollen in the air. The pollen count is usually included as part of your local weather forecast, though the national pollen levels can also be found online or through weather forecast apps for your smartphone.While the pollen count is high, keep your home and car doors and windows closed to keep out pollen. You may also adjust your air conditioner setting to recirculate air, rather than draw in pollen-filled outside air.Pollen counts are highest between 5 am and 10 am. As pollen is carried on the wind, it is most likely to be found in the highest concentrations on warm, dry, and windy days. Stay indoors or limit outdoor time during those times, if possible. The pollen count drops after rainy spells, as the water washes pollen particles out of the air.During the night, when the pollen count is lower, you can open your bedroom window to allow cool air to circulate. Not only can this prevent symptoms from exacerbating during the night, but it also provides an optimal sleeping environment.2. Wash your hair and clothes oftenLingering pollen particles can stick to the fibres of your hair and clothing, causing you to inadvertently spread pollen into your home. Wash your clothes as often as possible, especially after being exposed to high pollen counts. Don't hang dry your clothes outside, or they'll be covered in pollen.3. Wear wraparound sunglassesWearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors can help keep pollen out of your eyes. Pollen in your eyes can cause them to itch and water. Some wraparound sunglasses have removable gaskets which trap pollen and block wind to keep eyes moisturised. Wearing a sun hat or baseball cap can also prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.4. Rub Vaseline under and around your nostrilsVaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, can be used to trap pollen before it enters your nostrils, preventing symptoms from developing. Rub a small amount of Vaseline above your lip and around the opening of your nostrils for the best effect.There are also nasal allergy balms, such as Vicks Inhaler Stick, that are available from your pharmacist, which work similarly.5. Speak to a pharmacistMost pharmacies have antihistamines and special nasal sprays, such as Beconase, to treat or prevent hay fever.Antihistamines block the body's ability to launch a defensive response to pollen particles, while nasal sprays can prevent nasal passages from becoming inflamed due to pollen exposure. With regular use, these medicines can reduce the development and duration of your symptoms.For relief from itching and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis), a variety of eye drops are available at pharmacies. These help reduce and prevent inflammation in the eyes caused by hay fever. Prescription Doctor offers Murine Hayfever Relief and Optrex Hayfever Relief eye drops. These can be used in conjunction with other hay fever treatments, such as antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays.If you still suffer from symptoms while using over-the-counter hay fever medicines, contact your GP. They may be able to offer alternative treatments for your symptoms, including immunotherapy or prescription-strength medication. If you find your asthma symptoms flare up during hay fever season, you can speak to your asthma nurse for advice.Preventing hay fever altogether can only happen if you stay indoors. This is often not an option, since most people need to leave the house to go to work, shop, or exercise. In the morning, check the pollen count and take appropriate steps to minimise your exposure to pollen and prevent allergic symptoms from arising. Consult with your pharmacist to determine which hay fever medications are most suitable for your needs.