Gilbride Pharmacy: Navigating Hay Fever – A Pharmacy Guide

Every summer, up to 20% of people in the UK experience hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. This common allergic reaction to pollen and fungal spores primarily affects the nose and eyes, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a congested or runny nose.

 
Understanding Hay Fever

Hay fever symptoms are triggered when the body's immune system overreacts to pollen, mistaking it for a harmful substance. Symptoms typically begin when the pollen count (pollen grains per cubic metre of air) exceeds 50. Weather plays a significant role in symptom severity: sunlight can increase pollen counts, wind disperses pollen, and rain can wash it away, reducing the count.

Common symptoms include:

Watery or itchy eyes
Sneezing
Runny or blocked nose
Coughing
Itchy throat
Wheezing
While there's no definitive cure for hay fever, symptoms often lessen with age, with complete remission occurring in up to 20% of cases.

 
Diagnosis and Risk Factors

For most individuals with mild to moderate hay fever, formal diagnosis by a doctor isn't necessary. Pharmacists can effectively manage symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and expert advice. However, if symptoms are severe, occur indoors, persist in winter, or lead to complications, a doctor's consultation for a formal diagnosis and potential allergy testing (e.g., skin prick or blood tests) may be needed. Gilbride Pharmacy also offers allergy tests to help confirm a diagnosis and identify specific triggers.

Hay fever is more common in individuals with:

Eczema and other skin conditions
Asthma
A family history of hay fever
Exposure to tobacco smoke during youth
 
Treatment Options from Your Pharmacy

Hay fever treatment varies based on the type and severity of symptoms. For mild to moderate symptoms, OTC tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays are often highly effective. For severe symptoms that significantly impact daily life, prescription treatments may be considered.

Antihistamine Tablets
Hay fever symptoms are caused by histamine release, triggered by allergens like pollen. Antihistamine tablets (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine) work by blocking this histamine release. Regular use can prevent and alleviate symptoms.

Gilbride Pharmacy offers:

Prescription options like fexofenadine and levocetirizine.
Over-the-counter options like cetirizine, loratadine, and chlorphenamine.
A range of these options may be available free of charge under Pharmacy First, following a consultation with our pharmacist.
Nasal Sprays (Corticosteroids & Antihistamines)
For nasal symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or a runny nose, nasal sprays can provide targeted relief.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, offering effective relief with minimal side effects.Gilbride Pharmacy offers: Prescription steroid sprays and over-the-counter options like beclometasone and fluticasone. A selection of these may be available free of charge under Pharmacy First.
Antihistamine nasal sprays: Containing ingredients like azelastine, these provide direct antihistamine action in the nasal passages. These may also be available free of charge under Pharmacy First.
Eye Drops (Antihistamines)
For individuals primarily experiencing itchy, watery eyes, hay fever eye drops are highly effective. These drops prevent histamine release in the eyes, offering both relief and prevention. Ingredients include sodium cromoglicate, azelastine, and nedocromil sodium. They can be used up to four times daily, either alone or alongside tablets and nasal sprays. A range of eye drops may be available free of charge under Pharmacy First.

 
Prevention Strategies

Reducing exposure to allergens is key to preventing hay fever symptoms:

Identify your specific allergens (e.g., seasonal pollen, mould spores).
Stay indoors during high pollen counts.
Shower and change clothes upon returning home to remove allergens.
Change bed covers frequently and use hypoallergenic barriers.
Avoid irritants like dust and tobacco smoke.
Use HEPA filters in air purifiers.
Dry clothes indoors with windows closed.
Always carry allergy medication, such as antihistamines.
Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen.
Consider non-medicinal products like nasal barrier sprays to complement treatments.
 
Visit Your Local Gilbride Pharmacy

Managing hay fever effectively can significantly improve your quality of life during peak allergy seasons. At Gilbride Pharmacy, our team is ready to provide expert advice on managing your symptoms and help you choose the most suitable treatments.

Visit your preferred Gilbride Pharmacy branch to discuss your hay fever needs or simply walk in when it suits your schedule. We're committed to protecting your health and wellbeing.