Self-Care Information Guide
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to pollen. It can start at any age and lasts weeks
or months – unlike a cold which clears in 1-2 weeks. Start treatments 2-3 weeks before the season
begins for best results. Your local pharmacist is your first port of call for advice on treatment
Symptoms
- Sneezing & coughing
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Runny or blocked nose
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Sinus / facial pain
- Itchy throat or ears
- Earache
- Disturbed sleep
Reducing Pollen Exposure
You could try:
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors
- Check pollen forecasts and stay indoors on high-count days
- Apply petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) around nostrils to trap pollen
- Shower, wash hair and change clothes after being outside
- Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen times
- Vacuum regularly; dust with a damp cloth
- Wipe pets down with a damp cloth after they have been outside
Try not to:
- Cut grass or walk in large grassy areas
- Keep fresh flowers in the house
- Smoke or be around smoke - it worsens symptoms
- Dry clothes outside - they can catch pollen
Treatment Options At A Glance
| Treatment | Best for | How to use | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antihistamine tablets / liquid (e.g. Cetirizine, Loratadine, fexofenadine) | Sneezing, itching, runny nose | Take daily throughout the season | Start 2-3 weeks before season begins |
| Steroid nasal spray | Congestion / blocked nose | Use every day for 2-3 weeks | Takes time to work - start early |
| Antihistamine nasal spray | Occasional symptoms | Use as needed | Good for intermittent use |
| Eye drops (Sodium cromoglicate or antihistamine) | Itchy / watery eyes | Use daily if needed | Check with pharmacist if wearing contact lenses |
| Decongestant spray / tablets (e.g. Xylometazoline) | Severe nasal blockage | Max 7 days only | Longer use can worsen symptoms |
| Simple pain relief (Paracetamol or ibuprofen) | Headaches, sinus pain | As directed on packaging | Inhalants (menthol/eucalyptus) also help ease a blocked nose |
All these treatments are available over the counter. Ask your pharmacist which is right for you – non-branded alternatives are often cheaper. Always tell your pharmacist about other medications you take.
Immunotherapy Injections - Frequently Asked Questions
What is it and how does it work?
Allergen immunotherapy by injection (also called desensitisation or subcutaneous immunotherapy)
gradually exposes the immune system to increasing doses of the responsible allergen, retraining it to
become tolerant. Unlike conventional medicines, it targets the underlying cause of the allergy – and benefits
can persist for years after the course ends. Treatment involves a course of injections given in a clinic over
3 years.
Is this available on the NHS?
Immunotherapy injections are not routinely commissioned by most NHS ICBs, including in our area.
Where NHS access does exist, it is through specialist allergy clinics with limited capacity and long waiting
lists. For most patients this will therefore be a private treatment.
Who is suitable?
Immunotherapy injections are generally considered for patients with moderate to severe hay fever that is
inadequately controlled by antihistamines and nasal sprays, with a confirmed specific pollen allergy on
testing, who can commit to a 3-year course. They are not suitable for those with poorly controlled asthma,
pregnancy, severe cardiovascular disease, or who are taking beta-blockers.
What are the risks?
Local reactions at the injection site (itching, swelling, mild irritation) are common early on and usually settle.
Anaphylaxis is rare but possible – the first dose must always be given in a supervised clinical setting
with a 30-minute observation period. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for 24 hours after each injection.
How effective is it?
In appropriately selected patients, immunotherapy injections produce significant reductions in symptom
scores and medication use. Benefits persist for several years after completing the course, and there is
evidence they may reduce the risk of developing new allergies and progression to asthma.
How do I access this treatment?
If you feel your hay fever is significantly affecting your quality of life despite optimal use of antihistamines
and nasal sprays, please book an appointment with your GP. We can discuss whether a referral to an
NHS allergy specialist is appropriate. If you wish to explore the private route, Allergy UK (allergyuk.org)
maintains a directory of accredited allergy specialists.
- When to see your GP or call 111
- Symptoms not relieved by pharmacy medicines
- Symptoms are getting worse
- You develop wheezing, breathlessness or chest tightness
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Symptoms are severely affecting your daily life or sleep