Summer is a mixed blessing for many of us who suffer from hayfever. Itchy Eyes, Runny Noses, Sneezing and Headaches are no fun in the sun. Here are a few effective suggestions from our Superintendent Pharmacist Mark Sajda to help combat the symptoms.
Hayfever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis as it is known medically, affects 1 in 5 people and is mainly caused by grass pollen. It is an allergic reaction to pollen and spores and often leads to the onset of irritating and uncomfortable symptoms, including itchy, watering eyes, runny nose, sneezing and headaches.
Scientists say the allergy season is arriving earlier and earlier in the wake of global warming. Antihistamines, Nasal Sprays and Decongestants can help. Ideally anyone suffering from Hayfever should ask their local Sam McCauley pharmacist or GP about the best treatment option available for them. Helping you work out a treatment plan in advance of the high pollen season.
Cetrine is an extremely effective hayfever treatment and is available in packs of 30 tablets for only €9.99.
Many sufferers of hayfever do not consider using a nasal spray, however there are two effective nasal sprays worth considering. Flixonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray works by preventing the release of inflammatory chemicals which cause the symptoms of hayfever. It is suitable for adults and offers fast relief and relieves congestion, sneezing, funny nose as well as easing pressure around the eyes and nose.
Prevalin Nasal Spray lines the inside of the nose, deactivating pollen and addresses all significant hayfever symptoms, including runny nose and itchy, watery eyes without side effects. There is a children’s and adult version and it can be used by pregnant and breast feeding women.
For those individuals who suffer from swollen or itchy eyes, antihistamine eye drops can be very effective and can be used in conjunction with oral antihistamine tables – ask your local Sam McCauley pharmacist for a recommendation.
Some non medicinal Hayfever Fixers include:
- The pollen count is at its highest early in the morning and in the evening – so at these times try to stay indoors and keep windows closed.
- Pollen can stick to your clothing and your hair. Give your outdoors clothes a good shake before you come indoors, and wash your hair regularly.
- Rubbing petroleum jelly at the entrance to your nostrils can help to trap pollen. If you find it greasy, or don’t like the smell, alternatives based on beeswax are available.
- Sunglasses can help to protect eyes from pollen as well as harmful UV rays. Wrap around styles are best for hayfever sufferers.
- On hot, dry days, keep windows closed and check your car’s air conditioning is fitted with a pollen filter.
The worst days in Ireland form hayfever sufferers are hot, sunny days with light winds and no rain. The better the weather , the shorter the pollen season is, but pollen levels will be higher. Ask any of our pharmacists or trained healthcare staff for comprehensive advice on how best to deal with hayfever.
