Belfast and Surrounding Areas | Hay Fever Management
Allergies and Hay Fever
Allergies are when the body reacts to something which is normally harmless. Examples include pollen (hay fever), dust, animal dander or food. The reaction can range from mild irritation to a life-threatening situation. If your reaction is severe and causes any breathing complications, you should speak to your GP urgently or attend the emergency department.
What is Hay Fever?
Approximately 10-15% of the population experiences seasonal rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever or pollen allergy. It is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth and throat. Although pollen itself is harmless, in hay fever sufferers, it is the body’s immune system that overreacts to the allergen and can cause the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy, red, watery eyes
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itching of the throat
- Loss of smell
- Wheeze
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
Each person with hay fever reacts slightly differently in terms of symptom profile and severity.
These symptoms worsen when the pollen count is high; most people notice them when it is >50.
Pollen is a fine powder that is produced by plants, trees, grass and weeds during the Spring and Summer months. Hay fever is usually worst between March and September and can be especially bad when it is warm, humid, and windy. The hay fever season also seems to be getting longer; this is likely due to changes in temperature and weather conditions, as well as increased immune sensitivity in people.
Hay Fever Management
Hay fever can be treated with methods to limit pollen exposure, over-the-counter treatments, or prescription medication. Although many treatments are available, there is currently no cure for hay fever, and symptoms may last several weeks or months.
Limiting pollen exposure
- Place Vaseline around your nostrils to trap the pollen.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen from entering the eyes.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to wash off pollen.
- Stay indoors whenever possible.
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
- Damp dust and vacuum regularly.
- Use a pollen/HEPA filter.
Over-the-counter treatments
Antihistamines: These medications block the effects of histamine, which is released by the body when it detects something harmful, such as pollen in the case of hay fever. There are many different types and are classed as either drowsy, such as Piriton® (chlorphenamine), or non-drowsy, such as loratadine, cetirizine or fexofenadine. They come in various forms such as tablets, liquids, nasal sprays, or eye drops. Side effects can include drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, and nausea.
Steroid nasal sprays: These sprays contain man-made hormones that act in the body to reduce inflammation and swelling. They work on the lining of the nose and reduce symptoms such as sneezing and a blocked nose. They can cause side effects, including dryness, stinging, nosebleeds, and taste disturbances. Some are available over the counter, while others are prescription-only.
Eye drops: If eye symptoms are the main feature, using topical antihistamine eye drops may control the problem. These are also available over the counter or on prescription.
Approximately 10% of hay fever sufferers do not obtain relief from over-the-counter treatments alone.
Prescription medications
A pharmacist or your GP can advise on treatments, including prescription-only antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. If these fail to control symptoms, you may be referred to a specialist to consider immunotherapy, where small amounts of pollen are either injected or taken by tablet to slowly build up your resistance.
If these measures are ineffective, a steroid injection may provide relief from hay fever symptoms. Patients should be aware that a steroid injection is not a first-line treatment for hay fever and is used 'off-label', meaning that the FDA has not approved its use for hay fever. It should be considered only when symptoms are severe and not controlled by other methods, including limiting pollen exposure and medications, or when other methods produce intolerable side effects. Over-the-counter or prescription medication may still be required for symptom control even after receiving a steroid injection.
Virtual Hay Fever Clinic
My virtual clinic will review your symptom profile and previous treatment options and make recommendations for your treatment regimen this year. The service is available year-round; however, I recommend booking your consultation 1 to 2 months before your symptoms are expected to begin.
You will receive a personalised treatment plan for the year.
The initial consultation costs £49, and there is an additional £25 charge per prescription.