Hay Fever: Symptoms, Causes & Natural Treatments — Plus Top Product Picks from My Pharmacy
Hay fever, medically known as allergic rhinitis, affects millions of people in the UK every year. While it might sound like a minor nuisance, it can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life. From sneezing fits to itchy eyes and constant congestion, hay fever can make spring and summer feel like a struggle rather than a joy.
Let’s explore what causes hay fever, how to identify its symptoms, natural remedies to try at home, and effective products from My Pharmacy that can provide fast and lasting relief.
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered by pollen — most commonly from trees, grasses, and weeds. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to pollen particles in the air, mistaking them for harmful substances.
Your body then releases histamine, which leads to inflammation and other allergy symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Hay Fever
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and often mimic those of a cold, including:
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears
- Headaches or sinus pain
- Fatigue and disturbed sleep
These symptoms can start as early as March and persist through to September, depending on the type of pollen that triggers your allergy Hay fever treatments.
Natural Treatments for Hay Fever
If you’re looking to reduce symptoms without always reaching for medication, here are a few natural approaches:
1. Pollen Avoidance
- Keep windows and doors shut during high pollen hours (early morning and evening).
- Use pollen filters in your car and vacuum cleaner.
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors.
2. Saline Nasal Sprays
- Rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution can help wash away pollen and reduce inflammation.
3. Honey (Local if Possible)
- Some studies suggest that eating local honey might help your body gradually build up immunity to local pollen.
4. Herbal Teas
- Peppermint and chamomile teas are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe irritated sinuses.
5. HEPA Air Filters
- Installing air filters in your home can help reduce pollen and dust levels indoors.
Note: While natural remedies can be helpful, they’re not always effective for everyone, especially in severe cases.
Best Hay Fever Products from My Pharmacy
For when natural remedies aren’t enough, My Pharmacy offers a wide selection of over-the-counter and prescription-strength products to provide targeted hay fever relief:
Nasal Sprays
- Mometasone Nasal Spray 50mcg (140 dose) – A corticosteroid spray for reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing.
£19.99 - Beconase Hayfever Relief Nasal Spray (100 sprays) – Provides all-day non-drowsy relief.
£8.19
Eye Drops
- Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops 10ml – Contains sodium cromoglicate to prevent and relieve itchy, red, and watery eyes.
£5.59 - Fusion Allergy Eye Drops (15 x 0.5ml ampoules) – Preservative-free, suitable for sensitive eyes, and effective within 15 minutes.
£8.19
Antihistamine Tablets
- Treathay 120mg Fexofenadine Tablets – Non-drowsy formula providing 24-hour relief.
£5.99 (30 tablets) - Loratadine 10mg – 30 Tablets – Popular non-drowsy antihistamine for managing sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose.
£3.99 - Cetirizine 10mg Tablets – Fast-acting relief for common allergy symptoms.
From £2.99
Allergy Creams
- Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream 20g – Helps relieve itching and inflammation caused by bites or allergic skin reactions.
£5.99
When to Seek Help
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, it may be time to consult a pharmacist or GP. Persistent symptoms might require prescription-strength treatments like Avamys or Nasonex, or even immunotherapy for long-term reliefallergy-and-flu allergy…about Allergies.
Hay fever may be common, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right combination of avoidance strategies, natural treatments, and trusted products from My Pharmacy, you can breathe easy and enjoy the seasons again.
Your wellness, your way — with My Pharmacy.
