WELLNESS ADVICE

HAYFEVER ALLERGIES

Hayfever (allergic rhinitis) is where you are allergic to dust mites, pet hair or other irritant substances.. It may be seasonal, i.e. in spring when there is plenty of pollen; or, for the unlucky, all year around. The severity and type of hayfever varies from person to person and can be unpleasant if not treated and the symptoms prevented. Most hayfever sufferers complain of sneezing, itching, and burning eyes and throat, and either blocked or running nose. Other symptoms that may occur are aches in the jaw and teeth caused by the pressure of blocked sinuses, popping in the ears and headaches.

The best way to relieve hayfever is to minimise the exposure to whatever is causing the symptoms, if possible. It should be noted that people who have eczema or asthma are generally more likely to suffer from hayfever.

When you have an allergy the body releases histamine. This is why the most common medicines used to treat allergies are called antihistamines. They prevent more histamine release, which should prevent the allergy getting worse, but they work best if taken ahead of exposure. Other treatments for the nasal blockage and congestion of hayfever are a variety of nasal sprays (or drops), or rinses. Often sorting out the nose and sinuses makes all the other symptoms dial right back too.

Saline rinsing is remarkably effective, even if it is a little unpleasant at first. Corticosteroid nasal sprays also work well but take a few days to come up to speed. The sprays are best used as a regular daily treatment through the whole allergy season, or year-round for those with all year around hayfever. These corticosteroids work by preventing further secretions from the sinuses running down the nostrils or down the back of the throat.

With the corticosteroid sprays some people also get bleeding noses - which either means the dose is too high, or they are just not suitable. Decongestant nasal preparations should only be used for up to five days running before taking at least a twoday break, as they can cause problems if used for longer. Pop in and have a chat about your options to relieve and prevent ongoing congestion.

A cough may occur from persistent nasal secretions running down and irritating the back of the throat. This is called post-nasal drip, and may also be helped by antihistamines, and this should not be treated with medicines to stop coughing.

We’re happy to talk about the right medicine to treat hayfever, and provide advice about preventing as well as treating hayfever whether you suffer from this occasionally or every day. Just pop in and see one of our team.