What you need to know about hay fever symptoms, causes and treatment

Incessant sneezing and watery eyes can be frustrating to deal with - but help could be at hand

Hay fever symptoms can be far more wide-ranging than the images of incessant sneezing and red, watery eyes it initially conjures. From headaches to tiredness, there are plenty of ailments you may not have immediately linked to hay fever.

Also known as allergic rhinitis, research has shown that the UK has a particularly high prevalence of hay fever compared to many other countries, with the number of people affected also on the rise. A recent report predicted that UK hay fever rates will double by 2030, as temperatures, pollution and urbanisation increase.

Currently, up to 30% of UK adults and 40% of children suffer with hay fever . One third of adults report that their symptoms have a considerable negative impact on their life , while more than half have trouble sleeping as a result.

Hay fever symptoms

You can get hay fever at any age, but it’s more common in those with a family history of allergies, particularly asthma and eczema . Symptoms typically include sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, plus itchy eyes, throat, mouth, nose or ears. But it can also include a loss of smell, headache, earache and feeling tired. Symptoms vary in severity and can even be different in the same person from year to year, depending on weather conditions and pollen count.

How pollen causes hay fever

Hay fever occurs when tiny particles of pollen come into contact with cells that line the mouth, nose, eyes and throat, irritating them and causing an allergic reaction . These occur when the body overreacts to a substance it believes is a threat, making the immune system behave as if it is battling a virus . It then releases chemicals designed to fight an infection, which cause symptoms including watery eyes and a runny nose . Most reactions are due to grass pollen , but trees and weeds can also be responsible.

Hay fever treatments to consider

Currently there is no cure for hay fever, but there are effective ways to help ease symptoms. Taking an antihistamine liquid or tablet can help to minimise effects , and eye drops containing antihistamines are available if eyes are particularly affected . A steroid nasal spray such as Pirinase Hayfever Relief For Adults 0.05% Nasal Spray can also be used (alone or with antihistamines ) and has an anti-inflammatory effect, controlling the body's reactions to pollen for up to 24 hours.

Help for hay fever

It makes sense to try to help prevent the symptoms of hay fever and a single dose of Pirinase Hayfever Relief For Adults 0.05% Nasal Spray in each nostril once a day could help relieve sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes. Find out more here, or click here to buy online.

For the relief of allergy symptoms. Pirinase Allergy 0.05% Nasal Spray contains fluticasone. Always read the label.

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