HAY fever season is upon us –  so if those who suffer it are not sniffling yet, it is only a matter of time. 

Tree pollen explodes first, typically from early March and affects around 25 per cent of those with the common allergy, according to the Met Office. 

But the majority of hay fever sufferers are plagued by grass pollen, and summer is when the real misery begins for millions. 

Already 13million of us suffer from a pollen allergy, but cases have trebled in the past 20 years, according to gov.uk, and the hay fever season is getting longer. 

Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, tells Sun Health: “Typically, hay fever is heightened between the months of late March and September, particularly when it is warm, humid and windy.” 

But you can get ahead of it.  

Claire says: “Some studies show that taking antihistamine medication two to four weeks before the pollen season starts could be beneficial.” 

But it is not just antihistamines that are worth stocking up on. Here is all you may need . . .  

RIGHT PILLS 

6

NOT all antihistamines are created equal. 

Dr Lucy Hooper, private GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, says: “Acrivastine starts working on allergy symptoms after 20 to 30 minutes, cetirizine within 40 to 60 minutes.” 

Brand names include Benadryl and Piriteze, but non-branded versions are much cheaper.  

Antihistamines come in two groups — drowsy and non-drowsy.  

Those that make you feel sleepy — considered “first generation” or older types — can help those who are kept awake because of itchy skin or eyes.  

Dr Hooper says: “The worst offender [for drowsiness] is chlorphenamine (Piriton).” 

Other side effects more common with older antihistamines, such as cinnarizine and diphenhydramine, include dry mouth, constipation and difficulty passing urine. 

Antihistamines work by targeting a receptor on cells called H1 — blocking histamine, the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction.

Dr Hopper says: “H1 receptors in the brain play an important role in keeping us awake and alert, so blocking them makes us sleepy and tired.”

Acrivastine and cetirizine, along with loratadine and fexofenadine (a prescription-only antihistamine) are non-drowsy. 

THOUGH they can feel a little unpleasant, nasal sprays offer quicker relief. 

Dr Megha Pancholi, hay fever lead at Boots Online Doctor, says: “Steroid nasal sprays, such as beclometasone or fluticasone, reduce inflammation in your nose and help with symptoms including a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itching.” 

Dr Hooper adds: “They deliver powerful medicine directly to the nasal mucosa (lining), giving great symptom control.  

“They actually calm the allergic reaction in the lining, whereas antihistamines don’t fix the underlying inflammation.” 

You can get antihistamine sprays, though, which work to prevent the effects of histamine in the body.  

Nose bleeds can occur as a side effect for four to eight per cent of people, says Dr Hooper. 

Dr Jose Costa, Senior Allergy Consultant at The Children’s Allergy Clinic, says they should be used once or twice a day, two weeks before your pollen season starts, because they take around ten days to work properly. 

Decongestant sprays work by narrowing the blood vessels to reduce inflammation.  

But they should only be used short term, to avoid worsening inflammation. 

CLEAN AIR 

6

POLLEN can infiltrate your home, even with the windows shut, by sticking to clothes and pets. 

Dr Pancholi says: “Plug-in devices aim to either trap pollen particles or neutralise allergens.  

“Their effectiveness can vary and they can be a good extra option alongside other treatments.” 

A study in the journal Clinical Otolaryngology found when people with a grass pollen allergy used an air purifier, their nasal symptoms decreased and sleep improved.  

Dr Costa says: “Use vacuum cleaners or fans with HEPA filters to remove pollen.” 

DRUG-FREE CHOICE  

6

SALT water solutions via nasal irrigation can give some symptom relief without medication.  

“They decrease the allergic load inside the nasal cavities,” says Dr Costa. Follow the manufacturer leaflet to correctly use the kit.  

Or, costing just £1.25, Vaseline is another must-have. Claire says: “Applying a barrier balm of petroleum jelly around your nose is also a great way to trap the pollen.” 

SEE HERE 

6

WRAPAROUND sunglasses and eye drops are your go-to for enjoying drinks al-fresco.  

Kyla Black, Director of Optical Practice at Boots Opticians, says: “Pollen can also be brought into your home on your hair, so it’s advised to wash hair frequently.” 

Olopatadine eye drops, on prescription, block histamine and are a mast cell wall stabiliser meaning they help to stop allergy cells from releasing more histamine. 

Sodium cromoglicate is solely a mast cell wall stabiliser. Dr Costa adds: “Some patients tolerate sodium cromoglicate better, as others can have local side effects.” 

Try Boots Hayfever Relief 2% Eye Drops (£4.85), which contain sodium cromoglicate.