Hayfever Reliever

Hayfever is one of the most common allergies in the UK. The findings of a recent survey by the Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) showed that 27 per cent of people suffered from hayfever during the last year. Women are more frequently affected than men and are also more tolerant of symptoms of hayfever and allergies than men. Research also suggests that hayfever can run in families, particularly those who also have a history of atopic conditions such as asthma and eczema.

Also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen grains or spores produced by trees, grass, flowers and moulds. It occurs between the early spring and autumn, but for those people who are allergic to tree pollens, symptoms can start as early as January. Fungal spores are present all year round, but counts are particularly high in the late summer and autumn, while the grass pollen season normally runs through from May to early August.

Hayfever is caused when the body's defences overreact to pollen released into the air. The pollen causes release of a substance called histamine from cells in the skin. Histamine stimulates the allergic reaction that causes many of the symptoms associated with hayfever. Symptoms vary in severity, depending on the individual and the type of pollen causing the reaction, however, usual symptoms are:

• a blocked or runny nose
• red, itchy and watery eyes
• frequent sneezing
• itching of the roof of the mouth or throat
• loss of smell and taste.

When the symptoms first appear, you may think you are developing a cold, but unlike a cold, the symptoms do not often disappear after a few days, and may last for a few weeks.

Hayfever affects 15-20 per cent of the UK population each year, but the good news for people with hayfever is that a wide range of effective treatments is available to reduce the allergic response. This response triggers the release of histamine by the body, and it is the histamine that causes the unpleasant symptoms of hayfever. Treatments for hayfever therefore focus either on preventing the body releasing histamine or on treating the symptoms arising as a result of histamine release.

Treating hayfever
So, what is the most effective way to treat hay fever? There are basically four types of hay fever product:

• Oral antihistamines
• Nasal preparations
• Oral decongestants
• Eye preparations

Oral antihistamines
Antihistamines, available in tablet form, are generally effective in controlling the typical symptoms of hay fever: sneezing, running nose, watery eyes and itching nose and throat. Antihistamines are excellent all-round treatments and are more effective if they are taken before the symptoms occur - rather than after they have started. Older antihistamines (chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, promethazine) may cause drowsiness, which can be a problem to people who have to be alert for driving and operating machinery, etc. The newer antihistamines (acrivastine, cetirizine, loratidine) are much less likely to cause drowsiness.

Nasal preparations
Nasal anti-inflammatory preparations work by suppressing the allergic response and reducing the inflammation and swelling that can be caused by hay fever. Antihistamine nasal sprays are also available and thought to be about as effective as anti-inflammatories. For the most effective result, these products should be started a few days before symptoms are expected to begin. As with oral antihistamines, some people may need to use them right through the hay fever season.

Nasal decongestants can help to relieve a blocked nose and inflammation. Nasal decongestant sprays may cause 'rebound congestion' if used for prolonged periods, so about a week's treatment of either is about the maximum

Oral decongestants
Congestion treatment is also available in tablet form rather than a nasal spray. (See above)

Eye preparations
Antihistamines should control eye symptoms caused by hay fever, but many people who only get eye symptoms find eye drops more effective. Always check with your pharmacist or optometrist if you wear contacts before using eye drops.

Some hay fever products are not suitable if you're taking certain other medicines - and some hay fever products should not be used by children or pregnant women. Ask your pharmacist for advice, and always read the label.

Relevant Link

• CHIC's hayfever leaflet