Winter may still be with us, but the flowers are out in force. This means hay fever season has begun. You may have heard the term, but what is does it mean, and could you be experiencing hay fever?

What is hay fever?

Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic response from your immune system after exposure to seasonal pollens or grass. Some people experience hay fever year-round due to other environmental triggers like dust mites, moulds, air pollutants or animal fur. The symptoms and treatments are similar. 

How do I know if I have hay fever?

Many hay fever symptoms mimic the beginnings of a cold but don’t seem to go away or progress. You may experience ongoing:

• Itchy, watery eyes or frequent sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose, or the need to breathe through your mouth all the time
• A consistent urge to clear your throat
• Snoring overnight

You may also have associated symptoms like frequent sinus infections, headaches or facial pain, recurring sore throats or reduced sense of smell.

It is important to rule out other causes first and treat symptoms as contagious until your GP has diagnosed hay fever. Your GP will conduct a physical examination and discuss your history. They can also send you for more detailed allergy testing to determine the cause of your symptoms.

What can I do about my hay fever?

When it comes to hay fever, prevention is always better than cure. Whether reducing your exposure to pollen or other irritants or remembering to take preventative medication, it is easier to prevent hay fever symptoms than treat them once they begin.

Avoid your allergens 

Various types of pollens will be everywhere for the next few months, followed by the grass seeds that signify the end of summer. If these trigger your hay fever, consider checking the Pollen Forecast daily and acting accordingly. 

• Pollen count is usually higher in the morning, so stay inside until after midday if you can. Also, avoid going outside in the wind or after a thunderstorm.
• Wear sunglasses, keep your air conditioning on recirculated air while driving, review your outdoor spaces at home and consider where you holiday to avoid the worst allergen triggers.

Treat your symptoms

Many hay fever products previously only available with a prescription are now available over-the-counter. 

Your local pharmacist can advise about these treatment options, including:

• Antihistamines^ for daily preventative use to block your body's allergic reaction 
• Anti-inflammatory sprays and drops^ to reduce symptoms 
• Decongestants^ for short-term relief 

Nasal irrigation systems to physically remove irritants from the nasal passage and relieve symptoms after acute exposure