Ask a pharmacist

As much as we all love summer, it can also be the time when irritating allergies and hay fever strike. McCabes Pharmacy’s Hannah McCarthy offers her expert advice to some commonly posed questions

WHAT CAN I GIVE MY CHILD FOR ITCHY EYES AND RUNNY NOSE DUE TO POLLEN?

Zirtek Oral Solution can be given to children from 2 years and is an all-rounder for helping with hay fever symptoms.

Prevalin Allergy Kids is a nasal spray that can be given to children over 6 years. The spray forms a microgel barrier that traps the pollen before it can travel up the nose causing allergy symptoms. It is important to vigorously shake the bottle before administration. Wraparound sunglasses are also a good option for children for preventing pollen getting into their eyes. We also advise to keep children’s bedroom windows closed at night.

MY TEENAGER WILL BE STARTING EXAMS SOON, WHAT IS BEST FOR THEM TO TAKE TO HELP WITH THEIR HAY FEVER SYMPTOMS?

Unfortunately, the start of school exams coincides with the main grass pollen season. A non-drowsy antihistamine such as Cetrine

Allergy tablets should be taken as soon as hay fever symptoms first appear. These should be taken daily for the duration of the summer season. If itchy eyes are a particular concern Opticrom allergy eye drops can also be used. These come packaged in single use sachets so they can be brought into the exam if needs be. These are 25pc off at McCabes pharmacy. At home, keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen times, usually early morning and midafternoon. Going to and from exams, keep car windows up and set the air-conditioner on “recirculate”. On returning home a shower and change of clothes can remove pollen that may have collected on hair and fabrics while outside.

MY NOSE IS VERY CONGESTED, HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS IS A COLD OR FROM HAY FEVER?

Allergies such as hay fever and the common cold share many symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion, headache and fatigue. However, hay fever may cause itchy and watery eyes. Hay fever symptoms may last weeks or months whereas a cold will usually clear in 7-10 days. Mucus from hay fever is usually clear, thin and watery whereas cold mucus can be thick and coloured. Flixonase Allergy Relief Nasal

Spray is particularly useful for a congested or blocked nose as a result of hay fever. It contains a corticosteroid which has antiinflammatory action. The tiny amounts sprayed into your nose help to reduce swelling and irritation. It takes a few days for this to work optimally so it is important to use it daily on an ongoing basis throughout the summer. As with all medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist that this

is appropriate for you first before taking. Remember to gently blow your nose before use.

I’M BREASTFEEDING, WHAT CAN I TAKE FOR MY ALLERGIES?

Prevalin Allergy Plus is a nasal spray that’s suitable during both pregnancy and while breastfeeding. It is both steroid and antihistamine free making it a safe option for mum and baby. It works by forming a micro gel barrier in the nose to prevent pollen and other allergens from triggering an allergic reaction. Like all hay fever remedies it is best used at the start of the hay fever season when mild symptoms such as itchy eyes or runny nose first appear. It is important to shake Prevalin spray well before use.

I’M A RUNNER TRAINING OUTSIDE FOR A MARATHON, WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY HAY FEVER SYMPTOMS?

It is important to wear wraparound sunglasses while out for your run to avoid pollen getting into your eyes. Plan ahead by checking the pollen forecast before you go out to avoid peak pollen times outdoors. Perhaps plan your run for a lower pollen count time of day such as the evening. Shower straight after your run and change your clothes. Dab a small amount of Vaseline at the tip of your nostrils to trap the pollen in the air before entering your nasal passage. Take a daily antihistamine tablet like

Cetrine Allergy or Zirtek Allergy to help with symptoms throughout the season.

I’VE TRIED MANY TREATMENTS FOR HAY FEVER, IS THERE ANYTHING NEW YOU’D RECOMMEND?

Nasacort Allergy nasal spray has recently become available in pharmacies without the need for a prescription. Like many nasal sprays for hay fever it contains a corticosteroid. It is best used on a regular basis and may take 3-4 days to work optimally. It is suitable for use in adults only for treating hay fever symptoms for up to three months. Always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before use. It is a good idea to gently blow you nose before using any nasal spray to allow the drug get to its target site.