Hayfever is an allergy to pollen that affects around one in four people, and its symptoms usually include frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, red or watery eyes (also known as allergic conjunctivitis).
Dr Chris Elliott, GP and NHS Sutton CCG Chief Clinical Officer advices: “Hayfever sufferers can really struggle when pollen levels are high, with symptoms interfering with sleep and daily activities at work or school.
“Your local pharmacist can offer expert knowledge on a wide range of treatments that are available to help reduce the effect of pollen, including tablets, liquid, inhalers, nasal sprays and eye drops.”
However, hayfever isn’t always straightforward, and people who suffer from asthma should be extra careful during this time of year. Dr Elliott said: “People with asthma should keep a close on their condition and speak to their GP if they feel it worsening. Your GP should be able to produce a plan for you so that you can control your symptoms by adjusting your asthma medication.”
Measures you can take to avoid hay fever and allergy problems include the following:
• Regularly check to find out how high the pollen count is
• Try to stay indoors when the pollen counts are very high;
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses when you are out in the open to stop pollen getting in your eyes
• Dry off any wet washing indoors (so that pollen does not stick to your clothes);
• Avoid cutting grass
• Smearing a small amount of Vaseline inside of the nose can in some people reduce pollen induced nasal symptoms;
• Regularly splash your eyes with cool water - this will help soothe and cool your eyes.