Need Help With Hay Fever?

Hay fever is a common condition that affects many people in the UK, especially during during peak pollen season between April and June. Understanding what causes your hay fever symptoms, recognising the symptoms, and knowing how to manage them can help you have a better summer.

If you’d like advice on different treatments or how to manage symptoms you can always visit our pharmacy in Epsom, our pharmacists will be happy to help!

What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne substances, primarily pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.

When these tiny particles come into contact with the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, and throat, they can trigger an immune response which is the symptoms you’ll be experiencing.

Depending on how sensitive you are to different types of pollen is how strong your symptoms will be.

Key symptoms of hay fever to look out for include:

• Sneezing and coughing
• A runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears
• Loss of smell
• Pain around the temples and forehead
• Headaches
• Feeling tired

These symptoms are often more pronounced during periods when pollen counts are high.

Unlike a common cold, which usually resolves within a week or two, hay fever symptoms can persist for weeks or even months. If your symptoms are particularly bad and impacting your day to day life, visit our pharmacy for advice and symptom management.

When is Hay Fever Most Prevalent in the UK?

In the UK, hay fever prevalence is closely linked to the pollen seasons.

Tree pollen: Late March to mid-May
Grass pollen: Mid-May to July
Weed pollen: End of June to September

Grass pollen is the most common trigger, affecting many individuals during its peak season. If you notice your symptoms getting worse when exposed to grass or when people are cutting grass around you, it’s likely that your symptoms are caused by this pollen.

Don’t forget that weather conditions can make your symptoms stronger. Warm, humid, and windy days can lead to higher pollen counts, exacerbating symptoms. While there’s not a lot you can do about this, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on both the weather and pollen forecast so you can plan how to manage your symptoms.

How to Reduce Hay Fever Symptoms

While there’s no cure for hay fever, several strategies can help manage and alleviate symptoms. If you’re symptoms are extreme you might want to stay indoors on high pollen count days, especially during early mornings and evenings when counts are typically higher.

To help manage symptoms at home keep your windows and doors closed during peak pollen times. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor pollen levels and regularly vacuum and dust your home to remove any settled pollen.

Similarly after spending time outdoors, shower and change clothes to remove pollen residue and reduce how much gets in to your home.

When you do go outside, to help prevent pollen getting into your nose applying a small amount of petroleum jelly around the nostrils can help trap pollen and prevent it from entering the nasal passages.

Alternatively you can always try antihistamines, if you’ve never taken these before our pharmacists will happily take you through the different options available to you and answer your questions.

If you don’t want to take a tablet then nasal corticosteroid sprays are also beneficial for nasal symptoms.

Visit Miles Pharmacy For Hay Fever Treatment & Advice

With all of the different ways to manage symptoms, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy this summer without suffering from symptoms. Whether you want a medication to help manage symptoms, want advice for lifestyle changes or prefer non medication solution for hay fever, we’re happy to help.

You can visit our pharmacy in Epsom, we’re open 6 days a week and open late Monday to Friday. You don’t need to book an appointment but if you’d prefer not to wait, you can request a consultation online.