Hay Fever

Hay fever season has officially arrived, and it's not here to play. Sneezing fits that could rival a fireworks display, eyes that leak like a faulty faucet, and a brain so foggy you could lose a game of chess to a goldfish. This year, Mother Nature seems to be on a mission to make us all miserable.  

The estimated cost for allergy related diseases racks up a hefty 1 billion pound bill and due to climate change bringing longer pollen seasons, the cost of hay fever is likely to rise.

As for sufferers, they are forking out even more cash on over-the-counter potions that promise relief. It's a never-ending cycle of nasal sprays, eye drops, and antihistamines, all in a desperate attempt to feel somewhat human again.  

Recent research has shown that a whopping 49% of people are reported to be suffering from hay fever symptoms and the UK is in the top 3 countries in the world to be affected.  

So what can you and your GP do about it?

• Barriers: Apply a barrier around the corners of your eyes and nose, such as Vaseline, to trap pollen particles. Wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes.

• Nasal Steroids: Over-the-counter nasal steroid sprays can be effective when used two weeks before hay fever season and continued for up to a month. Refer to the Met Office pollen calendar to identify high pollen periods.

• Saline Nasal Sprays: Use alongside nasal steroids to help clear your nasal passages.

• Antihistamines: Choose newer generation antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine to avoid drowsiness, a common side effect of older antihistamines.

Consult Your GP.

If these treatments are not providing sufficient relief, talk to your GP about alternative options, such as prescription medications or referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) or specialists for immunotherapy.

Supplements.

Some studies suggest that spirulina may help alleviate hay fever symptoms, but there is no consensus on the optimal dosage or duration of use. Discuss this option with your GP or a healthcare professional.

Remember, while hay fever can be bothersome, with the right treatment plan, you can effectively manage your symptoms and enjoy your summer.

FAQs.

When should I see a GP at Spital Clinic for my hay fever?

You should book an appointment at Spital Clinic GP if:

• Your symptoms are getting worse

• Over-the-counter medicines aren't helping

• Your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life

• You have persistent symptoms outside the typical hay fever season

Can Spital Clinic GP prescribe stronger hay fever medication? Yes, if over-the-counter treatments aren't effective, our GPs can prescribe stronger medications such as prescription-strength antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays.

Does Spital Clinic GP offer allergy testing for hay fever? While basic allergy assessments including blood tests can be done at Spital Clinic GP, specialised allergy testing may require a referral to an allergy specialist.

Can hay fever lead to other health problems? In some cases, untreated hay fever can lead to complications like sinusitis or worsen asthma symptoms. If you're concerned, discuss this with a GP at Spital Clinic.

Is there a cure for hay fever? There's currently no cure for hay fever, but symptoms can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Spital Clinic GP can help you develop a personalised management plan. Remember, if you're struggling with hay fever symptoms, don't hesitate to book an appointment at Spital Clinic GP. Our experienced doctors can provide expert advice and treatment to help you manage your symptoms effectively.

References.

• Clinical comparison of the efficacy of spirulina platensis and cetirizine for treatment of allergic rhinitis Morteza Nourollahian¹, Bashir Rasoulian¹, Attaallah Gafari¹, Majid Anoushiravani², Farahzad Jabari³, Mehdi Bakhshaee¹
• Allergy UK / Kleenex®, 2020
• Pawankar R, et al, 2013
• https://www.redwhale.co.uk/content/allergic-rhinitis-and-hay-fever
• https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/pollen-forecast