Hay Fever Guide

As we enter March, the tree pollen season begins. The most common hay fever symptoms are runny, itchy and blocked nose, but also itchy, red eyes and sneezing. Allergy UK provide some useful tips in their hay fever fact sheet: https://tinyurl.com/3wkj95fx

There is more useful information on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/antihistamines/

Ideally start medicines two weeks before your hay fever season starts. Stick to non-sedating antihistamines. They are very good for runny and itchy symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays are very good for itchy, runny and blocked nose symptoms and have an excellent safety profile. This year for the first time children 12 years and above can get Pirinase (fluticasone) over the counter at a pharmacy. Otherwise children must have them prescribed.

See https://www.itchysneezywheezy.co.uk for nasal spray technique. Sodium chromoglycate eye drops may help; others may be prescribed.

If your symptoms are still a problem despite this, then pollen desensitisation is an option in specialist clinics. Avoid steroid injections due to safety concerns and potential side effects. It is not recommended. Have a great summer!

Dr Gary Stiefel, Consultant in Paediatric Allergy, Children’s Allergy Cambridge